1895 Laurel, Saint Paul MN 55104

St. Mary's Episcopal Church

1895 Laurel Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55104

Saint Mary’s Weekly – February 25, 2021

by

Weekly Worship Service

Sunday, February 28, 2021

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

Sunday will be the second Sunday in Lent and our Contemplative Service is being highlighted. Although that service isn’t a Sunday morning service, it offers a fourth option of being together in worship. This service is available via Zoom on Thursdays at 7pm.
 
First Reading:  “Ever Shining Light”…Mark S. Burrows, printed in bulletin
Second Reading:  “Fire”…Judy Brown, printed in bulletin
Gospel: Mark 8:31-38
 
Please note that the Zoom information below is new for the New Year!
For the Zoom worship service on February 28, 2021 CLICK HERE
If asked for a passcode, enter 657179
If asked for a meeting ID, enter 915 5954 9145
 
To join by cell phone only (voice only, no video),
call: 312-626-6799
Enter Meeting ID 915 5954 9145
If asked for a passcode, use 657179
 
For the Lent 2 Service Bulletin – CLICK HERE
For the Lent 2021 Music Bulletin – CLICK HERE

Worship Team

Liturgy Matters at St Mary’s by the Rev. Susan M. Moss
 
During Lent the Spirit drives us into the wilderness to search out our truth.
I’m told that on some wilderness trails there are often boxes where a hiker can drop off what s/he does not need or…take supplies that are needed. 
 
As you travel this 40 day trail, what can you leave behind that no longer serves you? What will you continue to carry? 
 
What do you need?
 
What’s New?
  • To listen to the 2-21-21 sermon by Rev. Susan Moss, CLICK HERE.
  • A new question will be posed during the Sunday service. Our first Coffee Time gives us an opportunity to talk with others about our thoughts in response to that question. Second Coffee Time will be social. 
  • The Worship Team is planning Holy Week services and soon will be talking about services during the Easter season (April 4-May 16). If you would like to participate in planning these services, please use the feedback link below to let us know of your interest.
  • St. Mark’s Cathedral is starting to gather for in-person worship services with an initial maximum of 25 people and many other safety restrictions.  St. Mary’s is working on a gathering plan to submit to ECMN for approval. This is the first step in making a return to in-person worship in the building possible. Even after ECMN approval is received, there are many other things to consider before St. Mary’s would conduct worship services in the building. There are currently no set dates and we will be looking for feedback as we proceed.
     
Feedback is welcome!
We welcome your feedback and recommendations about worship services.
 
CLICK HERE  to give feedback. Thanks!

2021 Sundays in Lent – Images

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

Pastoral Care

The Pastoral Care team invites you to send cards of support and caring to Anne Green during her recovery. They may be sent to:
 
Anne Green
502 Lynnhurst Ave E #704
St Paul MN 55104
 
Pastoral Care Calendar for March 2021
Mondays (ongoing) Mar. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Pastoral Care Team 6:30 PM
 
Mondays (ongoing) Mar. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Book Club 7:30 PM
The Pastoral Care Team will host the book club during Lent. Please join us in reading and discussing WALKING THE WAY OF LOVE by Presiding Bishop Michael Curry and others. We will meet on Mondays of Lent. We invite you to join us for one or any of the weeks, as your schedule and interest.  
 
Tuesday, Mar. 9
Evening Prayer (Elders or NOT!) 8:00 PM
This is a change to a once a month format and an invitation for all to join us.
Evening Prayer Rite 2 from the BCP
Reach out to Rev Cindi for the Link, or if you need a Book of Common Prayer
 
Wednesday, Mar. 10
Coffee & Conversation 10:00 AM / 7:00 PM
Reach out to Rev. Cindi to reserve a time and get the link
 
We have launched our new Prayer Chain, a ministry that anyone can support! 
Please contact Rev. Cindi if you would like to be included among those praying for 
the needs of St. Marians or if you have a prayer request. (No meeting required)
 
You are invited to join any of these events: 
Reach out to Reverend Cindi Brickson at 
 
For confidential prayer requests, reach out to Rev. Cindi at pastoralcare@saintmarysepiscopal.org

Update From Your Transition Team

FIRST, GRATITUDE: we are so grateful for all the ways that you have stepped into conversation with us; have expressed your reflections, needs, and inspirations about St. Mary’s; and have provided a rich and deep trove of experience for us to distill into a call for a new priest. 
 
SECOND, OUR GROUP’S NAME: The title of our group, Transition Team, was given to us by the ECMN when we formed in August. St. Mary’s is undergoing a lot of “transitions” these days, and we want to avoid confusion. We were called, and chosen by the Wardens, to be a Search Committee to find our next permanent rector.
 
THIRD: CALL DOCUMENTS: We received strong positive feedback from Bishop Loya and the ECMN regarding our search materials, which we have shared with you previously. We made a couple of changes in response. We are still in process on the Ministry Portfolio. HERE is the final version of the Community Overview (two-page letter). Once these documents are finalized and submitted to ECMN, the job will be posted and open for responses for one month. ECMN will forward candidates to the Search Committee.
 
FOURTH, MONTHLY CHECK-IN: We welcome any thoughts you might have about this “Community Overview” document – and we use this opportunity to kick off a Monthly “Search Committee Check-in Meeting.” On the first Sunday of every month (starting March 7th), members of the Search Committee will be available on the worship zoom link from 9:15-9:45 (BEFORE the service) to share updates, to answer questions, and to listen to your reflections. We plan to continue this monthly session until we have hired a new rector. We will continue to post major updates via this weekly email.
As always, you can send any questions, concerns, or thoughts to transitionteam@saintmarysepiscopal.org. We are so excited to take these next steps in our community journey together!
 
Emma B., Laura-Lee Brown, Ginny DeLuca, Joe McManmon, Cathy McNaughton, Catherine Neuschler, Joanna Schnedler, Jennie Ward, Jennifer Wedel, Jane Wells

New Online Giving System Coming Soon!

This week, the Vestry approved the recommendation of the Finance Committee to implement a new online giving and payment processing system in conjunction with Vanco. Vanco has been in the business of assisting nonprofits, schools and churches improve their communication and donation systems for 30 years. We intend to have this new system in place within the next several weeks. It will make it easy to give both online and through a mobile application. Look for more information and updates soon!!

Getting to Know You!

You have seen the names associated with a number of these committees that are working hard to put together our worship services, music, pastoral care, our search for a new rector, our finances, good communication, as well as our vestry, but you may not necessarily know the faces. For the next couple of weeks we will try to highlight one of those groups and this week we will start with the Worship Team!
 
Top Row: Terry Alewine, Rev, Susan Moss, Paulette Briese
2nd Row: Anne Hanson, Nina Johnson, Ginny DeLuca
3rd Row: Brian Nerbonne, Jim May, Cathy McNaughton
Bottom: Rev. Cindi Brickson, Vonda Humburg
Missing: Anne Green, Lisa Stratton
 
The Worship Team meets weekly on Saturdays from 4:30-6:00pm. Contact Nina Johnson at nina@jazmn.net for the link if you’d like to join us.
 
Thank you for all you do Worship Team!

Assistance Requested 

Do you have Word Press skills? Would you like to content on the St. Mary’s website updated? If you fit into either or both of these categories, the St. Mary’s Communication Team could use your assistance in the upcoming weeks as we try to make some updates. Please email communications@saintmarysepiscopal.org if you are interested.

Resources: 

Lenten Series from St. Matthews
Next Tuesday, March 2 at 7 pm Don Samuels will talk about what has been happening on Minneapolis’ North Side since George Floyd was killed. For the Zoom Link CLICK HERE.
 
ECMN News
If you are interested in hearing from the Bishop, finding out about Education, Events, and Training, and what is happening in the Episcopal Church of Minnesota, please subscribe to the ECMN News weekly email – CLICK HERE
 
 

Hi ECMN Parents, Caregivers, and Ministry Leaders,

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

Outreach: 

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

Upcoming Events at Saint Mary’s  

Opportunities for Worship, Education, Choir, & Meet Ups for the week of 2/26 – 3/4 

Sunday, February 28, 2021
Worship via Zoom with Coffee Hour to follow.  
10:00 AM
 
Monday, March 1, 2021
Pastoral Care Team
6:30 PM
Contact Rev. Cindi for the Zoom link at 
 
Monday, March 1, 2021
Book Club
7:30 PM
The Pastoral Care Team will host the book club during Lent. Please join us in reading and discussing WALKING THE WAY OF LOVE by Presiding Bishop Michael Curry and others. We will meet on Mondays of Lent. We invite you to join us for one or any of the weeks, as your schedule and interest allows.  
 
Tuesday, March 2, 2021
Men’s Group
7:00 PM
Vestry Meetings are open to all Saint Mary’s members. The Saint Mary’s Vestry usually meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month. The meeting begins at 7:00 PM. (Note: If you are a member of Saint Mary’s and would like to attend this meeting via Zoom, please contact Jim DeLuca or Caroline Kaker for the Zoom access code at wardens@saintmaryepiscopal.org)
 
Wednesday, March 3, 2021
Adult Choir
7:00 PM
If you would like to join us, or have any questions, please contact
 
Thursday, March 4, 2021
Saint Mary’s Dinner Group
Contact Julie Thomas for more information. Click here to contact Julie
 
Thursday, March 4, 2021 
Thursday Evening Contemplative Service Via Zoom
Led by Erika Scheurer and Anna Clark  
7:00 PM 
 
Sunday School Online:  
MiaLisa McFarland Millares will send out an email with readings, activities, 
and links for videos and discussions to all on our Constant Contact list.  
If you receive this email, you are on the list. 
 
Visit the St. Mary’s Calendars page for more information on what is happening.

Saint Mary’s Weekly – February 18, 2021

by

Weekly Worship Service

Sunday, February 21, 2021

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

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

Worship Team

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

2021 Sundays in Lent – Images

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

Pastoral Care

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

2021 Budget and Pledge Numbers

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

Resources: 

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

Outreach: 

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

Upcoming Events at Saint Mary’s  

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

 

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

Saint Mary’s Weekly – February 11, 2021

by

Weekly Worship Service

Sunday, February 14, 2021

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

This will be the Last Sunday after the Epiphany and the focus will be on the “Final Revelation”. This will be our last sermon provided by ECMN (Episcopal Church in Minnesota) and the preacher will be Sarah Barnett. Sarah serves as a resource for mission and ministry with children, youth, camp, and young adults. She also assists in the development of children’s and youth ministry for faith communities across ECMN. She coordinates and convenes ECMN Children’s and Youth Ministry Commissions and provides support and networking opportunities for adults who work with youth.
 
First Reading: 2 Kings 2:1-12
Second Reading: 2 Corinthians 4:3-6
Gospel: Mark 9:2-9
 
Please note that the Zoom information below is new for the New Year!
For the Zoom worship service on February 14, 2021 CLICK HERE
If asked for a passcode, enter 657179
If asked for a meeting ID, enter 915 5954 9145
 
To join by cell phone only (voice only, no video),
call: 312-626-6799
Enter Meeting ID 915 5954 9145
If asked for a passcode, use 657179
 
For the Last Service Bulletin of Epiphany  – CLICK HERE
For the Revised Epiphany Song Book – CLICK HERE

Worship Team

From The Right Reverend Craig Loya’s 2/9/21 Message : What does love look like?
 
I encourage you…to be asking the question as individuals, as families, and as faith communities, what does love for the earth look like? What does love for our nation’s first people’s look like? What does love for my neighbor who disagrees with me look like? Those questions will animate our lives, help us become the fullest and truest versions of who God has created us to be, and lend whatever short life we have been given to God’s project of healing and saving the whole world. What does love look like?
 
What’s New?
  • To listen to the 2-7-21 sermon by Bishop Loya (apologies for missing the recording of the first portion), CLICK HERE.
  • To see and hear the 2-7-21 “Lego Gospel”, CLICK HERE.
  • In preparation for Ash Wednesday (Feb 17th), you may pick up ashes and instructions in front of St Mary’s on Sunday, February 14th, 2-3pm or contact Rev. Cindi Brickson (pastoralcare@saintmarysepiscopal.org).  Please join us at 7pm on February 17th for the Ash Wednesday zoom service. Zoom link, bulletin and info will be sent on Monday, February 15th.
  • The Big Lenten Prayer Tent: For the season of Lent (February 17th – April 3rd), Bishop Loya is inviting each of us in ECMN to practice discipleship through daily prayer: five minutes every day, inviting the Holy Spirit’s guidance. Let’s join with other congregations and other people throughout ECMN in prayer during this season of Lent.  CLICK HERE for more information.
     
Feedback is welcome!
We welcome your feedback and recommendations about worship services.
 
CLICK HERE  to give feedback. Thanks!

Vibrant and Thriving in a Virtual World

This week we highlight the St. Mary’s Men’s Group (SMMG)
When:  7:00PM the first Tuesday of every month
How:    Zoom online
For link and information contact: Bill Turner at BillTur719@aol.com
SMMG Vibrant and Thriving Message
SMMG Vibrant and Thriving Message
Our Saint Mary’s Men’s Group (SMMG) meets each month on the first Tuesday at 7:00pm – all are welcome!  Please stop in for some fellowship and conversation; we’d love to see you.
 
Having a mixed heritage which derives, at least in part, from a prior iteration as “theology and a pint”, we were in a pattern of rotating locations to a different brew pub each month. As the local scene closed, opened, closed, and so-on, we adapted with a mix of Zoom and a few safe and successful outdoor gatherings. We carefully selected brew pubs with big patios with lots of available real estate, so we can spread out and still be together. Also, we added extra events and we looked for new ways to stay in touch!
 
The Zoom SMMG gatherings have several pros & a few cons, as inherent to the platform, but have been pretty well attended with a frequent crowd and a few bonus drop ins from time to time. While we are constrained to just one conversation at a time, the chances to connect are completely worthwhile and everyone gets a chance to share updates and tell their stories. 
 
The video has offered some benefits, such as virtual tours of the backyard projects – we’ve seen some beautiful landscaping, gardens in bloom, and decks progressing through construction. It’s a very personal touch that wouldn’t otherwise be possible.
 
With all of us more isolated than we’re used to or want to, we were looking for more ways to stay in touch. After some discussion, the merits of text and email were a bit pale (we all get enough of those!). At the suggestion from Dan, we decided to try the “Marco Polo” app to record and share short video messages. Throughout the month, there are active individual and group conversations going on and people share anything on their mind – a view while on a run, a glimpse of the walk with a dog, a skyline at sunset, a progress report on the solar panel installation, and even some contemplative and harder messages. The video brings so much more depth to the conversation; it’s been a great option and a way to stay in touch.
 
If you’re interested, you are welcome – it would be great to see you in a Zoom or on the Marco Polo video chats. Even if you just want to listen in or ease into the group, please reach out and let’s stay in touch! 
 
This isolation is hard on everyone, so while we need to keep our distance, there is no need to be alone all the time. We hope to see you at a future gathering!
 
P.S. The St. Mary’s Men’s Group will be holding a Special Mardi Gras gathering on Tuesday, February 16th at 7PM. Please join if you can.

Pastoral Care

Pastoral Care Calendar for February 2021
Fridays (ongoing) Feb. 12, 19, 26
Elders & Evening Prayer 6:30 PM
 
The Pastoral Care Team will host the book club during Lent.  Please join us in reading and discussing WALKING THE WAY OF LOVE by Presiding Bishop Michael Curry and others. We will meet on Tuesdays of Lent.  We invite you to join us for one or any of the weeks, as your schedule and interest.  
 
We have launched our new Prayer Chain, a ministry that anyone can support! 
Please contact Rev. Cindi if you would like to be included among those praying for 
the needs of St. Marians or if you have a prayer request. (No meeting required)
 
You are invited to join any of these events: 
Reach out to Reverend Cindi Brickson at 
 
For confidential prayer requests, reach out to Rev. Cindi at pastoralcare@saintmarysepiscopal.org

Communications Team Update

While we haven’t said a lot or really had a chance to introduce ourselves, the St. Mary’s Communications Team has been hard at work the last couple of months and would like to take the opportunity to provide everyone with some updates and to solicit feedback.
 
St. Mary’s Weekly
We’ve been working hard to make sure that all of the information that you need to know about what is happening at St. Mary’s goes into one Weekly email with the exception of the weekly Family, Children, and Youth email and the daily St. Mary’s Mornings. We will be implementing a form for submission of articles to the Weekly in the upcoming weeks to try to do a better job of keeping track of information.
 
St. Mary’s Website
We know that the website needs some work and we’re going to do our best to make some content updates in the next couple of weeks to get it up to date and a useful resource for St. Marians and visitors to the site. We would appreciate suggestions immediately and feedback as we make changes.
 
St. Mary’s Social Media
We put the St. Mary’s Facebook page on hold back in November and will be starting a gradual return as we go into Lent. We will do our best to make sure that the content provides information and inspiration and represents who we are.
 
We would love to hear from you to help us make sure that we are communicating with all St. Marians in the manner that they prefer. Please drop us a line at communications@saintmarysepiscopal.org.
 
The St. Mary’s Communications Team – Beth Varro, Cindy James, Steve Andrews, Todd Reemtsma, and Trevor Sannes

Souper Bowl of Caring

It’s not too late to support the Youth Group with their fundraiser through the Souper Bowl of Caring. This year the youth voted to help Second Harvest Heartland with their funds– since they are struggling and we need every organization possible to help people with hunger right now. The fundraiser will be running for a couple of weeks instead of for a day to allow for all the donations to go through.
  
 
Check out the website, the logo created by youth group, the organization we are donating to and give generously to help those in need!

Resources: 

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

Outreach: 

Opportunities for Line 3 Engagement
 
1. Sign this nationwide petition asking President Biden to take action to stop the pipeline. We have thousands of signatures and the list is growing – adding your name shows the power and breath of the Stop Line 3 movement. 
 
2. If you identify as clergy or as a faith leader or spiritual leader, please sign this faith and spiritual leader petition!
 
3. Share the Nationwide Petition and the Faith and Spiritual Leader Petition with your friends and communities. This our moment to show the Biden administration that as people of spirit, faith, and conscience, we expect our elected officials to help us build a world where water is sacred, where Native treaty rights and Native sovereignty are respected, and where rural areas have access to sustainable jobs and community wealth.
 
  • Do you believe that our community is measured by how we treat those most in need?
  • Are you a person of faith, who is moved to ensure safe housing for all?
  • Are you a state legislator, a county commissioner, or a city council member whose work has been transformed in these trying times?
Our Mission: Everyone, without exception, deserves a safe, decent, accessible, and affordable home.   
 
 
Parks, hotels, and shelters are filling up with the homeless. There is nowhere near enough affordable housing to meet our needs. The crisis of housing is magnified by the crisis of COVID, and the crisis of the economy, and the crisis of institutional racism.
 
Let us come together, as community members and elected officials, to talk about our vision to end homelessness and share our ideas for how to make that a reality. Let us come together to mobilize power to do what it takes to make a safe HOME a reality for everyone.
 
MICAH (Metropolitan Interfaith Council on Affordable Housing) will present its legislative agenda and we will hear from a member of our community directly affected by the housing shortage. We will ask our elected officials to share their visions and their commitments to action.
 
We are strong when we bring together people of values, of faith, of caring. We act on our shared values for shelter and affordable housing, undoing racism, and building opportunity in every neighborhood. MICAH leaders across our city are daily making our vision reality. We must continue to advocate for stronger housing policies at the State, the County, and the City level.
 
RSVP with your name, phone number, legislative district or street address, and the number attending to us at MicahBrkfst@comcast.net
 
Friday, February 12, 2021    8am-9:30am

Upcoming Events at Saint Mary’s  

Opportunities for Worship, Education, Choir, & Meet Ups for the week of 2/12 – 2/18 

Friday, February 12, 2021
Elders & Evening Prayer
6:30 PM
Contact Rev. Cindi for the Zoom link at 
 
Sunday, February 14, 2021
Worship via Zoom with Coffee Hour to follow.  
10:00 AM
 
 
Tuesday, February 16, 2021
Finance Committee Meeting
6:30 PM
Contact finance@saintmarysepiscopal.org for the Zoom link
 
Tuesday, February 16, 2021
St. Mary’s Men’s Group – Special Mardi Gras Edition
7:00 PM
Contact Bill Turner (billtur719@aol.com) for the Zoom link
 
Wednesday, February 17, 2021
Virtual Ash Wednesday Service
7:00 PM
Zoom link, bulletin and info will be sent on Monday, February 15th
 
Wednesday, February 17, 2021
Adult Ed./Book Study
7:00-8:30 PM
This is the final meeting for this book. If you would like to join us, or have any questions, please contact Nina Johnson at nina@jazmn.net or 651-308-8663 
 
Thursday, February 18, 2021
Saint Mary’s Dinner Group

Contact Julie Thomas for more information. Click here to contact Julie

Thursday, February 18, 2021 
Thursday Evening Contemplative Service Via Zoom
Led by Erika Scheurer and Anna Clark  
7:00 PM 
 
Sunday School Online:  
MiaLisa McFarland Millares will send out an email with readings, activities, and links for videos and discussions to all on our Constant Contact list.  
 
Visit the St. Mary’s Calendars page for more information on what is happening.

Family, Children & Youth Programming February 7-February 14

by

Dear All:
 
Here is your informational email on all Children’s and Youth events for the week.
This email has in it Sunday School options, Tweeners info, Youth Group info, Beginnings Info and some fun Parish-wide events.
 
*PLEASE NOTE THE LINKS WILL NOT BE SHARED ON THE WEBSITE. PLEASE REFER TO THE EMAILED INFORMATION OR CONTACT MIALISA FOR THE LINK AT MIALISA@SAINTMARYSEPISCOPAL.ORG*
 
Sunday School Options for Families: 
 
Option #1 Sundays from 9:00-9:45am
 
Bishop Loya will be joining us for Sunday Sunday School this week. We plan to do a show and tell. Children should bring an object that reminds them of church or God and be prepared to answer why the object is important to them and why it reminds them of church or God! See you on Sunday!
 
 
Option #2 Parent Led
 
Tweeners
Tweeners -thanks for the help with the Souper Bowl of Caring skit! I think the whole parish will enjoy it at church on Sunday. Next week we plan to conclude the mystery of Bigfoot (As per request).
 
Youth Group
Last week the youth played Code Names (which was awesome…thank you Julie Phillips). This coming week we plan to do another paint session. Bring your artsy crafts selves.
  • Parents please make certain that your youth is participating in your presence (ie not locked in a room). We may have youth break into breakout rooms in groups of three and will not have an adult for each section. According to Safe Church, this is okay so long as youth are in a space where they are all alone.
 
 
Blessings
MiaLisa McFarland Millares
Children’s and Youth Director
Saint Mary’s Episcopal Church

Saint Mary’s Weekly – February 4, 2021

by

Weekly Worship Service

Sunday, February 7, 2021

Worship via Zoom and Community Gathering with Bishop Loya Following – 10:00 AM

This will be the 5th Sunday After the Epiphany and the focus will be “Revelation in Transfiguration”. We will welcome The Rt. Rev. Craig Loya, X Bishop of Minnesota, who will be our preacher. (See What’s New? below for further information.) This is also Souper Bowl Sunday and our youth (along with Bishop Loya) will lead our worship service. They will also invite us to participate, as they’ve done for many, many years, in the Souper Bowl of Caring. (See article for further information.)
 
Psalm 147:2-3
First Reading: Isaiah 40:21-31
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 9:16-23
Gospel: Mark 1:29-39
 
Please note that the Zoom information below is new for the New Year!
For the Zoom worship service on February 7, 2021 CLICK HERE
If asked for a passcode, enter 657179
If asked for a meeting ID, enter 915 5954 9145
 
To join by cell phone only (voice only, no video),
call: 312-626-6799
Enter Meeting ID 915 5954 9145
If asked for a passcode, use 657179
 
For the Epiphany 5 Service Bulletin – CLICK HERE
For the Revised Epiphany Song Book – CLICK HERE

Worship Team

Epiphany Message from an article in “Progressing Spirit” by Rev. Deshna Shine entitled What Pulls at Your Heart:
 
We must maintain hope.  At the heart of Christianity and the path of Jesus is Wild Hope, living and loving with abandon. As John Shelby Spong says, “live fully and love wastefully.”
 
“If God is the source of love, as I believe God is, then the only way you can worship God is by loving. Not by being right, but by loving. By loving wastefully. The image in my mind is an old sink in the basement, that you plug up the drains and you turn on all the [taps] and the water overflows the boundaries and goes all over the floor and fills up every crack and cranny… and never stops to ask whether that crack deserves this living water. You love because love is what you have to do, not because somebody deserves the love. You love wastefully.”
 
Radical love, patience and trust require hope and we must maintain that burning light within if we are going to be a real part of transforming our communities and world. Hope tells us that there will always be more living water within to pour out of us.
 
What’s New?
  • For the 1-31-21 sermon by The Rt. Rev. Craig Loya to ECMN, CLICK HERE.
  • Bishop Loya is making his congregational visit, which happens once every 2 to 3 years, to St Mary’s this Sunday, February 7th.  This will be his schedule:
^    9:00am…..Time with the children in Sunday School
^  10:00am…..Participate in and preach at worship service
^  11:00am…..Join us for a Community Meeting
^  12:00pm…..Break
^    2:00pm…..Time with the St Mary’s Vestry
  • In preparation for Ash Wednesday (Feb 17th), ashes and instructions will be available to be picked up on Sunday, February 14th, 2-3pm.
Feedback is welcome!
We welcome your feedback and recommendations about worship services.
 
CLICK HERE  to give feedback. Thanks!

Souper Bowl of Caring

On Sunday, February 7, 2021 the Youth Group will kick off their fundraiser through the Souper Bowl of Caring. Each year the youth pick a charity and have a fundraising event on Super Bowl Sunday. This year, needless to say, things are a bit different. We cannot have our signature pots with the Super Bowl team logos on them; but we are still having a fundraiser. The youth voted to help Second Harvest Heartland with their funds– since they are struggling and we need every organization possible to help people with hunger right now. We will be running the fundraiser for a couple of weeks instead of for a day to allow for all the donations to go through.  If you want to get a quick head start on donating, here is the website where Souper Bowl of Caring is tracking our online donations!  We will share the link again on Sunday along with a poll to see which Super Bowl team you think will win!
  
 
Check out the website, the logo created by youth group, the organization we are donating to and give generously to help those in need!

Vibrant and Thriving in a Virtual World

This week we highlight Elders and Evening Prayer from Pastoral Care

When:  6:30pm every Friday
How:    Zoom online
For link and information contact: pastoralcare@saintmarysepiscopal.org
 
Pastoral care takes many forms at St Mary’s. In addition to the traditional way we think of pastoral care, the Rev Cindi Brickson, Pastoral Care Minister, is broadening that definition. One of the ways she is doing that is by offering a series of Zoom get-togethers around various topics from GLBTQ, to Caring for Aging Parents, to prayer services.
 
Pastoral Care is a contemporary term for an ancient model of emotional, social and spiritual support.
 
This past week on Friday, January 29th, was Elders and Evening Prayer.  Announced in the online St Mary’s Weekly, a spoken Evening Prayer service was offered by Rev Brickson. The attendees consisted of elder members of the parish for whom the flow of the service provides a calming reverence to the end of the day. After a check-in period, attendees participated through readings and spoken canticles throughout the service.
 
This bow to other services outside of the normal Sunday morning is a nod to what the Episcopal church and St Mary’s in particular has to offer the community.
 
If Evening Prayer speaks to you, join us on Fridays at 6:30pm as we move forward together, vibrant and thriving in a virtual world.

Pastoral Care

Please keep Jennie Ward and her family (Todd, Max, and Theo) in your prayers as she recovers from a significant and startling health crisis.  If you would like to keep updated, please visit:
 
To provide other support:
 
******
Pastoral Care Calendar for February 2021
Fridays (ongoing) Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26
Elders & Evening Prayer 6:30 PM
 
Monday, Feb. 8
Pastoral Care Team Meeting 7:30 PM
 
Wednesday, Feb. 10
Coffee & Conversation 10:00 AM / 7:00 PM
 
The Pastoral Care Team will host the book club during Lent.  Please join us in reading and discussing WALKING THE WAY OF LOVE by Presiding Bishop Michael Curry and others. We will meet on Tuesdays of Lent.  We invite you to join us for one or any of the weeks, as your schedule and interest.  
 
We have launched our new Prayer Chain, a ministry that anyone can support! 
Please contact Rev. Cindi if you would like to be included among those praying for the needs of St. Marians or if you have a prayer request. (No meeting required)
 
You are invited to join any of these events: 
Reach out to Reverend Cindi Brickson at pastoralcare@saintmarysepiscopal.org for a Zoom link
 
For confidential prayer requests, reach out to Rev. Cindi at pastoralcare@saintmarysepiscopal.org

Finance Updates:

2020 Contribution Statements E-mailed

Year-end 2020 contribution statements for donations to St. Mary’s for the period January 1, 2020 thru December 31, 2020, were e-mailed to all contributors on Monday, January 25th.  Printed statements were mailed on February 2nd to any household for which we do not have an e-mail address.
 
Please note that any 2020 contributions that were received either by mail or electronically after December 31, 2020, will be reflected in your 2021 contribution statement. 
 
If you note any inaccuracies in your 2020 statement, please contact Rex Holzemer, Treasurer, at 651-308-4895 or rexaholzemer@gmail.com.  
 
We are very grateful to everyone that has continued to provide financial support to St. Mary’s over this past year. Thank you!!     

 

Missing Phones!

Two black desk phones we are leasing from Comcast have gone missing at St. Mary’s and we need to find the phones or pay Comcast for them.  Please help us find our phones!  
 
It’s possible the two phones may have mistakenly been put out in the lobby area last year for people to take if they wanted, along other items we no longer needed.  If anyone has them or knows where they might be, please contact Rex Holzemer, Treasurer, at 651-308-4895 or rexaholzemer@gmail.com.  A phone amnesty program is in place, so no questions asked!!  We just need to find them as soon as possible.  Thanks for your help!

Resources: 

Hi ECMN Parents, Caregivers, and Ministry Leaders,

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

Outreach: 

  • Do you believe that our community is measured by how we treat those most in need?
  • Are you a person of faith, who is moved to ensure safe housing for all?
  • Are you a state legislator, a county commissioner, or a city council member whose work has been transformed in these trying times?
Our Mission: Everyone, without exception, deserves a safe, decent, accessible, and affordable home.   
 
Parks, hotels, and shelters are filling up with the homeless. There is nowhere near enough affordable housing to meet our needs. The crisis of housing is magnified by the crisis of COVID, and the crisis of the economy, and the crisis of institutional racism.
 
Let us come together, as community members and elected officials, to talk about our vision to end homelessness and share our ideas for how to make that a reality. Let us come together to mobilize power to do what it takes to make a safe HOME a reality for everyone.
 
MICAH (Metropolitan Interfaith Council on Affordable Housing) will present its legislative agenda and we will hear from a member of our community directly affected by the housing shortage. We will ask our elected officials to share their visions and their commitments to action.
 
We are strong when we bring together people of values, of faith, of caring. We act on our shared values for shelter and affordable housing, undoing racism, and building opportunity in every neighborhood. MICAH leaders across our city are daily making our vision reality. We must continue to advocate for stronger housing policies at the State, the County, and the City level.
 
RSVP with your name, phone number, legislative district or street address, and the number attending to us at MicahBrkfst@comcast.net
 
Friday, February 12, 2021    8am-9:30am

Upcoming Events at Saint Mary’s  

Opportunities for Worship, Education, Choir, & Meet Ups for the week of 2/5 – 2/11 

Friday, February 5, 2021
Elders & Evening Prayer
6:30 PM
Contact Rev. Cindi for the Zoom link at pastoralcare@saintmarysepiscopal.org or 612-998-5136
 
Sunday, February 7, 2021
Worship via Zoom with Bishop Loya Community Time to follow.  
10:00 AM
 
Monday, February 8, 2021
Pastoral Care Team
7:30 PM
Contact Rev. Cindi for the Zoom link at pastoralcare@saintmarysepiscopal.org or 612-998-5136
 
Wednesday, February 10, 2021
Coffee and Conversation with Rev. Cindi
10:00 AM & 7:00 PM
Please reply to Cindi at pastoralcare@saintmarysepiscopal.org to reserve your space and get the Zoom link
 
Wednesday, February 10, 2021
Adult Choir
7:00 PM
If you would like to join us, or have any questions, please contact Vonda at musicdirector@saintmarysepiscopal.org
 
Thursday, February 11, 2021
Saint Mary’s Dinner Group
Contact Julie Thomas for more information. Click here to contact Julie
 
Thursday, February 11, 2021 
Thursday Evening Contemplative Service Via Zoom
Led by Erika Scheurer and Anna Clark  
7:00 PM