1895 Laurel, Saint Paul MN 55104

Saint Mary's Episcopal Church

1895 Laurel Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55104

Saint Mary’s Weekly – October 7, 2022

by

Weekly Worship Service

Sunday, October 9, 2022  –  Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost

10:00am – Hybrid (In-Person and Zoom) Eucharist Service – Recognition of Deacon Jane Wells for her many years of service to St. Mary’s

After the service, a Zoom social gathering will be held for those worshiping virtually, and a social gathering outside (in the entryway in inclement weather) for those worshiping in-person. Pie and cake will be served to celebrate Deacon Jane.

To join the 10am worship on October 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 October 9 Service Bulletin – Click HERE

For the Fall service song sheet – Click HERE

We invite you to view the October 2 sermon video –  Click HERE

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

What’s in this Weekly?

Announcements

Stewardship 2023

Education

Prayers & Pastoral Care in the Weekly

Upcoming Events at Saint Mary’s

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

Announcements

Installation Ceremony for Reverend Lindsey on October 12th!

St. Marians come together with clergy from the Episcopal Church of Minnesota in celebrating the installation of The Rev. Lindsey Briggs as our new Rector. The Rt. Rev. Craig Loya will be leading the service at 6:30pm followed by a joyous reception. This event will also be shared via Zoom/Live Stream for those unable to attend in person.

To join the 6:30pm Installation Ceremony on October 12, 2022 – Click HERE
If asked for a passcode, enter 056537
If asked for a meeting ID, enter 850 1099 6608

To join by cell phone only (voice only, no video),
call: 312-626-6799
Enter Meeting ID 850 1099 6608
If asked for a passcode, use 056537

For the October 12 Installation Service Bulletin – Click HERE

Meet with Rev. Lindsey

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

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

Little Food Pantry Donations

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

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A Message from the Stewardship 2023 Leaders

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

Yes –St. Mary’s Stewardship Campaign is underway! During Announcement time on Sundays, starting October 9, you’ll be hearing from Vestry members and Stewardship Co-Chairs about “Why we pledge to St. Mary’s this year.” And yes, we’re inviting you to join us in discerning how we can best be stewards of our mission, community and facilities here at St. Mary’s. Please start thinking of how you can best step up to support St. Mary’s to be all we want for ourselves, each other, the surrounding community and the world. And yes, there are several ways to make your pledge:

  1. Paper copies of the pledge form will be in the pews starting this Sunday so you can fill out a form and place it in the offering plate at the back of the sanctuary.
  2. Stewardship information and pledge card on the website have been updated so you can make your pledge on line.
  3. You can request that a paper pledge form be sent to you by contacting any of the three co-chairs shown below.

And yes, we thank you for prayerfully considering your financial pledge to St. Mary’s and you’ll be hearing more from us over the next several weeks.

For the online version of the 2023 St. Mary’s Annual Pledge Form – Click HERE

Stewardship Co-chairs: Paulette Briese, Bruce Briese and Julie Thomas

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Education

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

Faith Formation for Children, Youth, and Families

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

Adult Education – Sacred Space/Sacred Study (Tuesdays 6:30pm – 7:30pm)

Our adult education takes new shape, inviting us to dive deeper into each theme. In person and online opportunities will be available. Please contact Rev. Lindsey at 612-444-1090 or
revlindseybriggs at gmail.com to sign up for any of our Sacred Space/Sacred Study groups.

Ordinary Time: Discipleship
  • Gospel of Mary (10/18, 10/25, 11/8, 11/15) 
  • Altar Building for All Saints & All Souls (11/1)

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Prayer Requests & Pastoral Care

Please pray for those on Saint Mary’s prayer list:  Bishop Craig Loya as he leads the ECMN; ECMN; all front-line workers; teachers and those who support children and youth in education; all who have had hardships because of Covid; all who are homeless, unemployed, or struggling financially; doctors, nurses, caregivers, and all who care for the sick or dying; all who work for new systems of justice and equity; all those who are in need of some extra love, grace, peace, and good energy; all who are in need of prayer.

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

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Upcoming Events at Saint Mary’s
Opportunities for Worship, Education, & Meet-Ups
for the week of 10/7 – 10/13

Saturday, October 8, 2022
Volunteer at Feed My Starving Children (Chanhassen) with MiaLisa
2:00pm
Contact MiaLisa for more information – Mialisamillares at gmail.com

Sunday, October 9, 2022
Family Gathering/ In-person Sunday School
9:00-9:15am
Contact MiaLisa for more information – Mialisamillares at gmail.com

Sunday, October 9, 2022
In-person Sunday School
9:15-9:50am
Contact MiaLisa for more information –Mialisamillares at gmail.com

Sunday, October 9, 2022
In-person and Virtual Worship Service
10:00am
Link

Sunday, October 9, 2022
Confirmation at St. Anne’s
5:30pm
Contact Rev. Lindsey for more information –revlindseybriggs at gmail.com

Wednesday, October 12, 2022
Installation ceremony for Reverend Lindsey – In-person and Virtual
6:30pm
Link

Wednesday, October 12, 2022
Youth Group – Attending the Installation Ceremony
6:30pm
Contact MiaLisa for more information –Mialisamillares at gmail.com

Wednesday, October 12, 2022
Zoom Pre-Tweeners
No Pre-Tweeners this week. Pre-Tweeners are invited to attend the Installation Ceremony.
Contact MiaLisa for more information –Mialisamillares at gmail.com

Wednesday, October 12, 2022
Zoom Tweeners
No Tweeners this week. Tweeners are invited to attend the Installation Ceremony.
Contact MiaLisa for more information –Mialisamillares at gmail.com

Thursday, October 13, 2022
Saint Mary’s Dinner Group
6:00pm
Contact Julie Thomas for more information – julieandcats at comcast.net

Thursday, October 13, 2022
Thursday Evening Contemplative Service
Led by Erika Scheurer and Anna Clark
7:00pm
Link (The Contemplative Service is In-person and Virtual)

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

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All Parish Message from Reverend Lindsey Briggs – September 2022

by

Dear Saint Mary’s Episcopal Church,
 
I write knowing that many of you call our church community home, while others are still deciding if St. Mary’s is where you want to belong. I know many are bone tired due to COVID and crisis. My hope for Saint Mary’s is that we are a place of rest, healing, connection and growth; that each person who enters our physical or digital space will know that they have inherent worth, unrelated to their skill or ability to produce. 
 
Amidst the noise of global crisis and constant urgency, I invite you to our discernment year. Who are we now? How do we want to show up in our own lives? Who will we serve as we join with God to love the world into wholeness?
 
Our Bishop, The Rt. Rev. Craig Loya, has provided a road map which we will follow in our own St. Mary’s way. None of us are who we were when the pandemic started, but all of us can blossom in the here and now. We worship a God of new beginnings and second chances, a God who makes all things new.
 
Our map for the year follows a helpful pattern. We start by getting grounded, asking what spiritual practices keep you connected to God and walking in the way of Jesus: discipleship. Then we’ll explore how we can focus and change as a community, choosing to partner with the Holy Spirit’s movement in the world: faithful innovation. In Lent we’ll discuss how we collectively live out our baptismal covenant, repairing harm, treating every human life with dignity and respect: justice. And in Easter we’ll build skills to create healthier relationships with ourselves and others: vitality. Click hyperlinks to watch videos of Bishop Loya speaking on each theme.
 
Underneath these themes we’ll explore the questions driving how we live in our neighborhoods, city, country, and world. We will make meaning using our sacred texts. We will grow in wisdom. We’ll commit ourselves to strengthening our integrity and love. 
 
Please join us on Rally Sunday, in person or online, to gently regather our community and ourselves. A Church Picnic will follow the service as we celebrate the start of a new program year. Bring a side dish you’d like to share!
 
Following Rally Sunday we’ll have a new schedule and new programs.
 
Saint Mary’s Sunday Schedule
  • 9:00 am Families worship in the chapel for 15 minutes of singing and praying before Sunday School
  • 9:15 am Kids K-6th grades walk to their Sunday School classroom. 
  • 9:15 am Parents are invited into a neighboring class room for mutual support.
  • 10:00 am Holy Eucharist
  • 11:00 am Apple Cider Hour on front lawn (weather permitting) 
 
Our adult education takes new shape, inviting us to dive deeper into each theme. In person and online opportunities will be available. Contact me by email, text, or phone to sign up for any of our Sacred Space/Sacred Study groups.  
 
Sacred Space/Sacred Study – Tuesday Nights 6:30-7:30 pm
 
Ordinary Time: Discipleship
  • Gospel of Mary (10/18, 10/25, 11/8, 11/15) 
  • Altar Building for All Saints & All Souls (11/1)
 
Advent: Faithful Innovation
  • Book Study & Spirituality Group on The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why It Matters by Priya Parker (12/6, 1/10, 2/7) 
 
Lent: Justice 
  • Collective Discernment – To whom? what? where? is God inviting us to create a more justice and kind world. We will be drawing on a diversity of sources. (every Tuesday in Lent)
 
Easter: Vitality
  • Boundaries Build Kind Community will draw diverse sources including Victoria Albina, Nedra Glover Tawwab, Tara Brach, and many others! (4-week class, 4/25, 5/2, 5/9, 5/16)
 
Additional Events
  • Rally Day & Church Picnic (9/18)
  • Choir Practice (Wednesdays and Sundays)
  • Pre-Tweeners, Tweeners and Youth Group Relaunches (Wednesdays)
  • Confirmation (1x monthly)
  • Contemplative Service (Thursdays at 7pm)
  • Animal Blessing on St. Francis’ Day (10/2)
  • All Parish Fun Day! At Big Stone Mini Golf (10/16) 
  • Installation Service (10/12)
  • Senior Quilt Sewing Nights (We will gather together in the dead of winter to collectively work on our senior’s quilts for 2-3 nights in February and March)
  • LGBTQ+ Healing Service & Karaoke (Co-hosted with other churches at St. Mary’s, 3/3)
  • Confirmation at St. Mark’s Cathedral (04/23)
  • Youth Recognition Dinner (5/TBD)
  • Sacred Sites with Rev. Jim Bear (Spring)
 
 
I’m delighted to be your new Rector and looking forward to seeing who we become in the coming year. Please email or call to sign up for any Sacred Study/Sacred Spaces events.
 
 
Many blessings,
Rev. Lindsey Briggs+
 
 
The Rev. Lindsey R. Briggs, BCC (she/they)
612-444-1090

Saint Mary’s Weekly – September 30, 2022

by

Weekly Worship Service

Sunday, October 2, 2022  –  Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost

10:00am – Hybrid (In-Person and Zoom) Eucharist Service – St. Francis Day (Blessing of the Animals)

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

*A friendly reminder that the Twin Cities Marathon is on Sunday and folks crossing Summit from the South may need to adjust their travel plans.

To join the 10am worship on October 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

For the October 2 Service Bulletin – Click HERE

For the Fall service song sheet – Click HERE

We invite you to view the September 25 sermon video –  Click HERE

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

What’s in this Weekly?

Announcements

Stewardship 2023

Prayers & Pastoral Care in the Weekly

Education

Upcoming Events at Saint Mary’s

Announcements

Installation Ceremony for Reverend Lindsey on October 12th!

St. Marians come together along with clergy from the Episcopal Church of Minnesota in celebrating the installation of The Rev. Lindsey Briggs as our new Rector. The Rt. Rev. Craig Loya will be leading the service at 6:30 pm followed by a joyous reception. This event will also be shared via Zoom/Live Stream for those unable to attend in person.

Return to Top

Meet with Rev. Lindsey

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

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

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

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

Return to Top

A Message from the Stewardship 2023 Leaders

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

Yes – it’s that time of year again. Time for each of us to discern how we can best be stewards of our mission, community and facilities here at St. Mary’s. You can expect to hear more from your Stewardship Chairs in the upcoming weeks, but please start thinking of how you can best step up to support St. Mary’s to be all we want for ourselves, each other and the surrounding community.

Paulette Briese, Bruce Briese and Julie Thomas

Return to Top

Prayer Requests & Pastoral Care

Please pray for those on Saint Mary’s prayer list:  Bishop Craig Loya as he leads the ECMN; ECMN; all front-line workers; teachers and those who support children and youth in education; all who have had hardships because of Covid; all who are homeless, unemployed, or struggling financially; doctors, nurses, caregivers, and all who care for the sick or dying; all who work for new systems of justice and equity; all those who are in need of some extra love, grace, peace, and good energy; all who are in need of prayer.

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

Return to Top

Upcoming Events at Saint Mary’s
Opportunities for Worship, Education, & Meet-Ups
for the week of 9/30 – 10/7

Sunday, October 2, 2022
Family Gathering/ In-person Sunday School
9:00-9:15am
Contact MiaLisa for more information – Mialisamillares at gmail.com

Sunday, October 2, 2022
In-person Sunday School
9:15-9:50am
Contact MiaLisa for more information –Mialisamillares at gmail.com

Sunday, October 2, 2022
In-person and Virtual Worship Service
10:00am
Link

Tuesday, October 4, 2022
Men’s Group
7:00pm
For more information email smmg at saintmaryespiscopal.org

Wednesday, October 5, 2022
Youth Group
6:30pm
Contact MiaLisa for more information –Mialisamillares at gmail.com

Wednesday, October 5, 2022
Zoom Pre-Tweeners
6:30pm
Contact MiaLisa for more information –Mialisamillares at gmail.com

Wednesday, October 5, 2022
Choir Rehearsal
7:00pm
Contact Vonda for more information –musicdirector at saintmarysepiscopal.org

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

Thursday, October 6, 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 – September 23, 2022

by

Weekly Worship Service

Sunday, September 25, 2022  –  Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost

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

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

To join the 10am worship on September 25, 2022 – Click HERE
If asked for a passcode, enter 277625
If asked for a meeting ID, enter 818 4016 4967

To join by cell phone only (voice only, no video),
call: 312-626-6799
Enter Meeting ID 818 4016 4967
If asked for a passcode, use 277625

The September 18 Service Bulletin – Click HERE

For the Fall service song sheet – Click HERE

We invite you to view the September 18 sermon video –  Click HERE

What’s in this Weekly?

Announcements

Prayers & Pastoral Care in the Weekly

Education

Upcoming Events at Saint Mary’s

Announcements

Meet with Rev. Lindsey

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

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

Return to Top

 

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

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

Return to Top

Prayer Requests & Pastoral Care

Please pray for those on Saint Mary’s prayer list:  Bishop Craig Loya as he leads the ECMN; ECMN; all front-line workers; teachers and those who support children and youth in education; all who have had hardships because of Covid; all who are homeless, unemployed, or struggling financially; doctors, nurses, caregivers, and all who care for the sick or dying; all who work for new systems of justice and equity; all those who are in need of some extra love, grace, peace, and good energy; all who are in need of prayer.

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

Return to Top

 

Upcoming Events at Saint Mary’s
Opportunities for Worship, Education, & Meet-Ups
for the week of 9/23 – 9/29

Sunday, September 25, 2022
Family Gathering/ In-person Sunday School
9:00-9:15am
Contact MiaLisa for more information – Mialisamillares at gmail.com

Sunday, September 25, 2022
In-person Sunday School
9:15-9:50am
Contact MiaLisa for more information –Mialisamillares at gmail.com

Sunday, September 25, 2022
In-person and Virtual Worship Service
10:00am
Link

Sunday, September 25, 2022
Confirmation Intro Bonfire
5:30-7:3opm At Saint Anne’s Episcopal Church, 2035 Charlton Rd, St. Paul, MN 55118
Contact for more information –stmarysepiscopalchurchstpaul at saintmarysepiscopal.org

Tuesday, September 27, 2022
Vestry Meeting
7:00pm
Contact the Wardens for more information at wardens at saintmaryespiscopal.org

Wednesday, September 28, 2022
Youth Group
6:30pm
Contact MiaLisa for more information –Mialisamillares at gmail.com

Wednesday, September 28, 2022
Zoom Pre-Tweeners
6:30pm
Contact MiaLisa for more information –Mialisamillares at gmail.com

Thursday, September 29, 2022
Saint Mary’s Dinner Group
6:00pm
Contact Julie Thomas for more information – julieandcats at comcast.net

Thursday, September 29, 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 – September 16, 2022

by

Weekly Worship Service

Sunday, September 18, 2022  –  Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost

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

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

To join the 10am worship on September 18, 2022 – Click HERE
If asked for a passcode, enter 277625
If asked for a meeting ID, enter 818 4016 4967

To join by cell phone only (voice only, no video),
call: 312-626-6799
Enter Meeting ID 818 4016 4967
If asked for a passcode, use 277625

The September 18 Service Bulletin – Click HERE

For the Fall service song sheet – Click HERE

We invite you to view the September 11 sermon video –  Click HERE

What’s in this Weekly?

Announcements

Prayers & Pastoral Care in the Weekly

Education

Upcoming Events at Saint Mary’s

Announcements

Rally Day September 18th!

Let’s kick off our program year with a bang!  Following the 10am worship service we will gather on the front lawn for a picnic extravaganza. Hot dogs, hamburgers, veggie burgers and beverages will be provided. Bring your favorite side dish, salad or dessert to share. If you are willing/able to help with set up, grilling or clean up please contact Julie Thomas (julieandcats at comcast.net). Remember- many hands make short work!

Return to Top

Meet with Rev. Lindsey

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

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

Return to Top

 

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

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

Return to Top

Prayer Requests & Pastoral Care

Please pray for those on Saint Mary’s prayer list:  Bishop Craig Loya as he leads the ECMN; ECMN; all front-line workers; teachers and those who support children and youth in education; all who have had hardships because of Covid; all who are homeless, unemployed, or struggling financially; doctors, nurses, caregivers, and all who care for the sick or dying; all who work for new systems of justice and equity; all those who are in need of some extra love, grace, peace, and good energy; all who are in need of prayer.

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

Return to Top

 

Upcoming Events at Saint Mary’s
Opportunities for Worship, Education, & Meet-Ups
for the week of 9/9 – 9/15

Sunday, September 18, 2022
In-person and Virtual Worship Service
10:00am
Link

Tuesday, September 20, 2022
Finance Committee Meeting
6:30-8:00pm
Contact for more information –finance at saintmarysepiscopal.org

Tuesday, September 20, 2022
Men’s Group
7:00-9:oopm
Contact for more information –SMMG at saintmarysepiscopal.org

Thursday, September 22, 2022
Saint Mary’s Dinner Group
6:00pm
Contact Julie Thomas for more information – julieandcats at comcast.net

Thursday, September 22, 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 – September 9, 2022

by

Weekly Worship Service

Sunday, September 11, 2022  –  Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost

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

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

To join the 10am worship on September 11, 2022 – Click HERE
If asked for a passcode, enter 277625
If asked for a meeting ID, enter 818 4016 4967

To join by cell phone only (voice only, no video),
call: 312-626-6799
Enter Meeting ID 818 4016 4967
If asked for a passcode, use 277625

The September 11 Service Bulletin – Click HERE

For the Fall service song sheet – Click HERE

We invite you to view the September 4 sermon video –  Click HERE

What’s in this Weekly?

Announcements

Prayers & Pastoral Care in the Weekly

Education

Upcoming Events at Saint Mary’s

Announcements

Rally Day September 18th!

Let’s kick off our program year with a bang!  Following the 10am worship service we will gather on the front lawn for a picnic extravaganza. Hot dogs, hamburgers, veggie burgers and beverages will be provided. Bring your favorite side dish, salad or dessert to share. If you are willing/able to help with set up, grilling or clean up please contact Julie Thomas (julieandcats at comcast.net). Remember- many hands make short work!

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Meet with Rev. Lindsey

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

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

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

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

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Saint Mary’s Making a Difference in the World

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

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

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

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Prayer Requests & Pastoral Care

Please pray for those on Saint Mary’s prayer list:  Bishop Craig Loya as he leads the ECMN; ECMN; all front-line workers; teachers and those who support children and youth in education; all who have had hardships because of Covid; all who are homeless, unemployed, or struggling financially; doctors, nurses, caregivers, and all who care for the sick or dying; all who work for new systems of justice and equity; all those who are in need of some extra love, grace, peace, and good energy; all who are in need of prayer.

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

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Education

Youth Group & Activities for 2022-23

Hello everyone!
 
I can’t believe it is September! 
The last couple of years of the pandemic – we have moved away from our typical programming and centered our meetings on connection because that seemed to be the most important ministry we could offer. 
 
As we return to greater normalcy, we are releasing a youth group plan with a more typical schedule. We try to create a schedule that intertwines Spirituality, Discussion, Service learning, Connection, and Outings. And, this year, we have a great schedule! As always, this is our tentative schedule. Please note that changes can and do arise. As they arise, we change our Saint Mary’s Calendar, where all of this information lives. We are grateful to have a team that prioritizes and understands the importance of youth voice, spirituality, and the importance of fun, and connection. If, after reading this email, you still have a question or concern, please do not hesitate to reach out to me directly at mialisamcfarland at gmail.com or text me at 570-269-9688. 
 
What do I need to do?
Funny you should ask – I do actually need your help with something. Please fill out this Youth Group form – Click HERE. Yes, it is long. Yes, I need all of it filled out for each child. No, you do not need to fill it out more than once. It counts for all the activities. We do need it filled out before the first youth group. Although I am sending you an electronic form and most places recognize electronic signatures, I am asking for a handwritten signature (as there have been some instances in healthcare providers requiring them). Please return these signed forms via EMAIL to mialisamcfarland at gmail.com 
 
Who is eligible for Youth Group?
Any young person in 7th through 12th grade. You do not have to belong to Saint Mary’s to attend. Friends are always welcome and encouraged to attend.
 
When does the Youth Group meet?
Youth Group meets on Wednesday evenings from September 21, 2022 through May 31, 2023 from 6:30-8:00 pm. The group takes breaks noted on the main calendar. 
 
Where does the Youth Group meet?
Youth Group meets in the Youth Room (end of the hallway next to the old sacristy).
 
Who are the Youth Group leaders?
This year our Youth Group leader is Kat Lewis accompanied by Trevor Sannes and occasionally helped by Reverend Lindsey Briggs and Julie Phillips. 
 
What does a youth group session look like?
Youth Group has a loose structure (so it isn’t too much like school). It involves a Question of the Day, a Main Topic for the day (which might be a service project, an activity, or a discussion), and ends with a prayer/ meditation and some quiet time. 
 
Can you tell me the topics Youth Group will be covering?
 
September 21: Discussion – Group Covenant and Getting to Know One Another
September 28: Connection – Youth Group BBQ and Giant “Get to Know You” Jenga
October 5: Discussion – Enneagram
October 12: Spirituality – Installation of Reverend Lindsey
October 19: No Youth Group 
October 26: Connection –Halloween Party
November 2: Spirituality – All Souls/ All Saint Movie and Discussion (Coco)
November 9: Spirituality – Movie Continued and Discussion led by Lindsey on Death and Making Meaning
November 16: Outing – Can Can Wonderland Trip
November 23: No Youth Group
November 30: Spirituality – Artistic ways to engage with spirituality – music, art, journal reflection time, discipleship
December 7: Service Project – Angel tree 
December 14: Connection – Christmas Bonfire and Games
December 21: Connection – Hot cocoa and Christmas movie – Elf or Rudolph 
December 28: No Youth Group
January 4: No Youth Group
January 11: No Youth Group
January 18: Discussion – Faithful Innovation, What gifts do you have to help serve as the hands and feet of God?
January 25: Outing – Go to a Movie (TBD) 
February 1: Service Project – Souper Bowl of Caring Preparation
February 8: Connection – Game Night
February 15: Discussion Series on Justice – Biblical characters and intersectionality
February 22: Spirituality – Ash Wednesday Service
March 1: Discussion – Series on Justice
March 8: Connection – Murder mystery game party
March 15: Discussion – Series on Justice
March 22: Connection – Skit night
March 29: Discussion – Series on Justice
April 5:No Youth Group 
April 12: Discussion – Movie and Discussion (TBD)
April 19: Discussion – Movie and Discussion Continued (TBD) 
April 26: Discussion – Guest speaker on mental health, healthy relationships
May 3: Spirituality – Art and journaling spirituality night
May 10: Service Project – Feed my starving children (or another service project)
May 17: Connection – Karaoke
May 24: Outing – Bowling Trip
May 31: Outing/ Discussion – Walk for Ice Cream/ Make a plan for next year
June: Potential Lock In (TBD)
 
 
Additional Activities for Youth Groupers
 
Confirmation 2022-2023 
St. Anne’s Episcopal Church
September 25, 2022-April 29, 2023
5-7pm on 1 Sunday a month
St. Mary’s is joining forces with St. Anne’s and Christ Church for this year’s confirmation program. We’ll meet 1x monthly from September 25 – April 29th, Confirmation Day! The group will be led by the church’s three priests. Dinner will be served weekly as part of our time together. Email Rev. Lindsey if you’re interested in joining. Revlindseybriggs at gmail.com
 
Big Stone Mini Golf Meet Up
Saturday, October 16, 2022
Time TBD
After church, we will meet at Big Stone Mini Gold. It is a bit of a hike – but completely worth it. This family adventure is an ALL PARISH EVENT. You can choose to golf (you must pay cash – adults are $12 and kids are $10), or you can choose to just walk around the sculpture garden (free but suggested donation of $2). If you haven’t been there – it is a must-see for Minnesota.  
 
Youth Recognition Dinner and Service
Saint Mary’s Episcopal Church
May, 2023 (TBD when we get closer)
This is a special dinner for youth in the 7th through 10th-grade range where we acknowledge entering adulthood. The young person presents a toast to the family that is there to support them, and the family members toast the young person. A lovely dinner follows. On the next Sunday, the youth is honored and reminded of their baptismal covenant in this lovely ceremony. This year this dinner will be in May 2023
 
 
Interested in Helping Out At Church?
Are you interested in helping out with some of the roles at church? Would you like to be a lay leader? A Sunday School teacher or assistant? Someone who helps with music? If you are trying to find a way to connect with the church and need help– check in with MiaLisa on Sundays to learn more about opportunities that might interest you!
 
Senior Quilts
Date TBD as we get closer to the end of the school year
We honor seniors with quilts at the end of the year. If you are a senior and you are interested in receiving a quilt, please let MiaLisa know as soon as possible.

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Families with kids 0 through 6th grade

Hello everyone!

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

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

What do I need to do?

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

How will Sunday mornings work for families?

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

What programming is available?

Parent Meeting for Sunday School

Sunday, September 18, 2022

9:00am in the Chapel

For Families with school aged children

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

 

Family Gathering 

Sundays,  September 25, 2022- May 31, 2023

9:00-9:15am in the Chapel

For Families with young children

Led by MiaLisa Millares

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

 

Sunday School

Sunday, September 25, 2022 through May 31, 2023

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

For Kindergarten through sixth grade

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

    • After Family gathering parents will leave and children will stay.  The Sunday School teachers will take the children through the old sacristy down the steps to the Youth Room. We are using the Whirl K-5 All Kids Curricula.  This is the same curricula we used for zoom Sunday school.  The kids liked it a lot. We will have an opening, watch a short (1 minute video from Whirl Kids), answer questions about the video, read a Bible story, discuss the story and do a craft or service project. In the month of December, Sunday School time is used to prepare for the Christmas Pageant. 
    • The lessons are as follows:
      • 9/25: In the Beginning
      • 10/2: Noah and the Flood
      • 10/9: Abraham and Sarah
      • 10/16: Joseph and His Brothers
  • 10/23: No Sunday School MEA Weekend
      • 10/30: Joseph in Egypt
      • 11/ 6: Deborah
      • 11/13: Elijah and Elisha
      • 11/20: Esther
      • 11/27: Daniel
      • 12/4:  Annunciation and Christmas Practice
      • 12/11:Mary Visits Elizabeth and Christmas Practice
      • 12/18: Jesus is Born and Christmas Practice
  • 12/25: No Sunday School, Christmas Day
  • 1/1: No Sunday School, New Years Day
    • 1/8: Sunday School resumes

 

Activities for Elementary Aged Kids

 

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

 

PreTweeners

Kindergarten through Fourth Grade

Led by MiaLisa Millares and Carmen Patterson

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

Wednesday Evenings 6:30-7:00pm

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

 

Tweeners

Third Grade through Sixth Grade

Led by MiaLisa Millares and Emily Topinka

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

Wednesday Evenings 7:00-7:45pm

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

 

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

 

Feed My Starving Children

Saturday, October 8, 2022

2:00-3:45pm

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

 

Big Stone Mini Golf Meet Up

Saturday, October 16, 2022

Time TBD

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

 

Hopkins Stages Theater

November, Date TBD

Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer 

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

 

Gingerbread Houses

Sunday, December 4, 2022

11:15am

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

 

Christmas Practive and Pageant 

Practice, Saturday, December 17, 2022

10:30am-12:30pm

Pageant, Sunday December 18, 2022

Time TBD

 

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

 

Epiphany Party with Pinata

Sunday, January 8, 2022

11:15am

 

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

 

Faith Formation at Home

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

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Upcoming Events at Saint Mary’s
Opportunities for Worship, Education, & Meet-Ups
for the week of 9/9 – 9/15

Sunday, September 11, 2022
In-person and Virtual Worship Service
10:00am
Link

Thursday, September 15, 2022
Saint Mary’s Communications Team Meeting
5:30 – 7:00pm
For more information email the Communications Team at – communications at saintmarysepiscopal.org

Thursday, September 15, 2022
Saint Mary’s Dinner Group
6:00pm
Contact Julie Thomas for more information – julieandcats at comcast.net

Thursday, September 15, 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.

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2022-2023 St. Mary’s Youth Group & Activities

by

Hello everyone!
I can’t believe it is September!
The last couple of years of the pandemic – we have moved away from our typical programming and centered our meetings on connection because that seemed to be the most important ministry we could offer.
As we return to greater normalcy, we are releasing a youth group plan with a more typical schedule. We try to create a schedule that intertwines Spirituality, Discussion, Service learning, Connection, and Outings. And, this year, we have a great schedule! As always, this is our tentative schedule. Please note that changes can and do arise. As they arise, we change our Saint Mary’s Calendar, where all of this information lives. We are grateful to have a team that prioritizes and understands the importance of youth voice, spirituality, and the importance of fun, and connection.
What do I need to do?
Funny you should ask – I do actually need your help with something. Please fill out this Youth Group form – Click HERE. Yes, it is long. Yes, I need all of it filled out for each child. No, you do not need to fill it out more than once. It counts for all the activities. We do need it filled out before the first youth group. Although I am sending you an electronic form and most places recognize electronic signatures, I am asking for a handwritten signature (as there have been some instances in healthcare providers requiring them). Please return these signed forms via EMAIL 
Who is eligible for Youth Group?
Any young person in 7th through 12th grade. You do not have to belong to Saint Mary’s to attend. Friends are always welcome and encouraged to attend.
When does the Youth Group meet?
Youth Group meets on Wednesday evenings from September 21, 2022 through May 31, 2023 from 6:30-8:00 pm. The group takes breaks noted on the main calendar.
Where does the Youth Group meet?
Youth Group meets in the Youth Room (end of the hallway next to the old sacristy).
Who are the Youth Group leaders?
This year our Youth Group leader is Kat Lewis accompanied by Trevor Sannes and occasionally helped by Reverend Lindsey Briggs and Julie Phillips.
What does a youth group session look like?
Youth Group has a loose structure (so it isn’t too much like school). It involves a Question of the Day, a Main Topic for the day (which might be a service project, an activity, or a discussion), and ends with a prayer/ meditation and some quiet time.
Can you tell me the topics Youth Group will be covering?
September 21: Discussion – Group Covenant and Getting to Know One Another
September 28: Connection – Youth Group BBQ and Giant “Get to Know You” Jenga
October 5: Discussion – Enneagram
October 12: Spirituality – Installation of Reverend Lindsey
October 19: No Youth Group
October 26: Connection –Halloween Party
November 2: Spirituality – All Souls/ All Saint Movie and Discussion (Coco)
November 9: Spirituality – Movie Continued and Discussion led by Lindsey on Death and Making Meaning
November 16: Outing – Can Can Wonderland Trip
November 23: No Youth Group
November 30: Spirituality – Artistic ways to engage with spirituality – music, art, journal reflection time, discipleship
December 7: Service Project – Angel tree
December 14: Connection – Christmas Bonfire and Games
December 21: Connection – Hot cocoa and Christmas movie – Elf or Rudolph
December 28: No Youth Group
January 4: No Youth Group
January 11: No Youth Group
January 18: Discussion – Faithful Innovation, What gifts do you have to help serve as the hands and feet of God?
January 25: Outing – Go to a Movie (TBD)
February 1: Service Project – Souper Bowl of Caring Preparation
February 8: Connection – Game Night
February 15: Discussion Series on Justice – Biblical characters and intersectionality
February 22: Spirituality – Ash Wednesday Service
March 1: Discussion – Series on Justice
March 8: Connection – Murder mystery game party
March 15: Discussion – Series on Justice
March 22: Connection – Skit night
March 29: Discussion – Series on Justice
April 5:No Youth Group
April 12: Discussion – Movie and Discussion (TBD)
April 19: Discussion – Movie and Discussion Continued (TBD)
April 26: Discussion – Guest speaker on mental health, healthy relationships
May 3: Spirituality – Art and journaling spirituality night
May 10: Service Project – Feed my starving children (or another service project)
May 17: Connection – Karaoke
May 24: Outing – Bowling Trip
May 31: Outing/ Discussion – Walk for Ice Cream/ Make a plan for next year
June: Potential Lock In (TBD)
Additional Activities for Youth Groupers
Confirmation 2022-2023 
St. Anne’s Episcopal Church
September 25, 2022-April 29, 2023
5-7pm on 1 Sunday a month
St. Mary’s is joining forces with St. Anne’s and Christ Church for this year’s confirmation program. We’ll meet 1x monthly from September 25 – April 29th, Confirmation Day! The group will be led by the church’s three priests. Dinner will be served weekly as part of our time together. Email Rev. Lindsey if you’re interested in joining. Revlindseybriggs at gmail.com
Big Stone Mini Golf Meet Up
Saturday, October 16, 2022
Time TBD
After church, we will meet at Big Stone Mini Gold. It is a bit of a hike – but completely worth it. This family adventure is an ALL PARISH EVENT. You can choose to golf (you must pay cash – adults are $12 and kids are $10), or you can choose to just walk around the sculpture garden (free but suggested donation of $2). If you haven’t been there – it is a must-see for Minnesota.
Youth Recognition Dinner and Service
Saint Mary’s Episcopal Church
May, 2023 (TBD when we get closer)
This is a special dinner for youth in the 7th through 10th-grade range where we acknowledge entering adulthood. The young person presents a toast to the family that is there to support them, and the family members toast the young person. A lovely dinner follows. On the next Sunday, the youth is honored and reminded of their baptismal covenant in this lovely ceremony. This year this dinner will be in May 2023
Interested in Helping Out At Church?
Are you interested in helping out with some of the roles at church? Would you like to be a lay leader? A Sunday School teacher or assistant? Someone who helps with music? If you are trying to find a way to connect with the church and need help– check in with MiaLisa on Sundays to learn more about opportunities that might interest you!
Senior Quilts
Date TBD as we get closer to the end of the school year
We honor seniors with quilts at the end of the year. If you are a senior and you are interested in receiving a quilt, please let us know as soon as possible.

Saint Mary’s Weekly – September 2, 2022

by

Weekly Worship Service

Sunday, September 4, 2022  –  Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost

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

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

To join the 10am worship on September 4, 2022 – Click HERE
If asked for a passcode, enter 277625
If asked for a meeting ID, enter 818 4016 4967

To join by cell phone only (voice only, no video),
call: 312-626-6799
Enter Meeting ID 818 4016 4967
If asked for a passcode, use 277625

The September 4 Service Bulletin – Click HERE

For the Fall service song sheet – Click HERE

For a supplemental music lyric sheet – Click HERE

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

What’s in this Weekly?

Announcements

Prayers & Pastoral Care in the Weekly

Education

Upcoming Events at Saint Mary’s

Announcements

Meet with Rev. Lindsey

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

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

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

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

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Saint Mary’s Making a Difference in the World

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

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

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

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Prayer Requests & Pastoral Care

Please pray for those on Saint Mary’s prayer list:  Bishop Craig Loya as he leads the ECMN; ECMN; all front-line workers; teachers and those who support children and youth in education; all who have had hardships because of Covid; all who are homeless, unemployed, or struggling financially; doctors, nurses, caregivers, and all who care for the sick or dying; all who work for new systems of justice and equity; all those who are in need of some extra love, grace, peace, and good energy; all who are in need of prayer.

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

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Education

Families with kids 0 through 6th grade

Hello everyone!

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

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

What do I need to do?

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

How will Sunday mornings work for families?

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

What programming is available?

Parent Meeting for Sunday School

Sunday, September 18, 2022

9:00am in the Chapel

For Families with school aged children

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

 

Family Gathering 

Sundays,  September 25, 2022- May 31, 2022

9:00-9:15am in the Chapel

For Families with young children

Led by MiaLisa Millares

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

 

Sunday School

Sunday, September 25, 2022 through May 31, 2022

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

For Kindergarten through sixth grade

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

    • After Family gathering parents will leave and children will stay.  The Sunday School teachers will take the children through the old sacristy down the steps to the Youth Room. We are using the Whirl K-5 All Kids Curricula.  This is the same curricula we used for zoom Sunday school.  The kids liked it a lot. We will have an opening, watch a short (1 minute video from Whirl Kids), answer questions about the video, read a Bible story, discuss the story and do a craft or service project. In the month of December, Sunday School time is used to prepare for the Christmas Pageant. 
    • The lessons are as follows:
      • 9/25: In the Beginning
      • 10/2: Noah and the Flood
      • 10/9: Abraham and Sarah
      • 10/16: Joseph and His Brothers
  • 10/23: No Sunday School MEA Weekend
      • 10/30: Joseph in Egypt
      • 11/ 6: Deborah
      • 11/13: Elijah and Elisha
      • 11/20: Esther
      • 11/27: Daniel
      • 12/4:  Annunciation and Christmas Practice
      • 12/11:Mary Visits Elizabeth and Christmas Practice
      • 12/18: Jesus is Born and Christmas Practice
  • 12/25: No Sunday School, Christmas Day
  • 1/1: No Sunday School, New Years Day
    • 1/8: Sunday School resumes

 

Activities for Elementary Aged Kids

 

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

 

PreTweeners

Kindergarten through Fourth Grade

Led by MiaLisa Millares and Carmen Patterson

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

Wednesday Evenings 6:30-7:00pm

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

 

Tweeners

Third Grade through Sixth Grade

Led by MiaLisa Millares and Emily Topinka

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

Wednesday Evenings 7:00-7:45pm

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

 

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

 

Feed My Starving Children

Saturday, October 8, 2022

2:00-3:45pm

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

 

Big Stone Mini Golf Meet Up

Saturday, October 16, 2022

Time TBD

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

 

Hopkins Stages Theater

November, Date TBD

Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer 

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

 

Gingerbread Houses

Sunday, December 4, 2022

11:15am

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

 

Christmas Practive and Pageant 

Practice, Saturday, December 17, 2022

10:30am-12:30pm

Pageant, Sunday December 18, 2022

Time TBD

 

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

 

Epiphany Party with Pinata

Sunday, January 8, 2022

11:15am

 

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

 

Faith Formation at Home

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Saint Mary’s Weekly – August 26, 2022

by

Weekly Worship Service

Sunday, August 28, 2022  –  Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost

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

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

To join the 10am worship on August 28, 2022 – Click HERE
If asked for a passcode, enter 277625
If asked for a meeting ID, enter 818 4016 4967

To join by cell phone only (voice only, no video),
call: 312-626-6799
Enter Meeting ID 818 4016 4967
If asked for a passcode, use 277625

The August 28 Service Bulletin is not currently available.  Please check back later.

For the Fall service song sheet – Click HERE

We invite you to view the August 21 sermon video –  Click HERE

What’s in this Weekly?

Announcements

Prayers & Pastoral Care in the Weekly

Upcoming Events at Saint Mary’s

Announcements

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

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

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Prayer Requests & Pastoral Care

Please pray for those on Saint Mary’s prayer list:  Bishop Craig Loya as he leads the ECMN; ECMN; all front-line workers; teachers and those who support children and youth in education; all who have had hardships because of Covid; all who are homeless, unemployed, or struggling financially; doctors, nurses, caregivers, and all who care for the sick or dying; all who work for new systems of justice and equity; all those who are in need of some extra love, grace, peace, and good energy; all who are in need of prayer.

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

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Upcoming Events at Saint Mary’s
Opportunities for Worship, Education, & Meet-Ups
for the week of 8/26 – 9/1

Sunday, August 28, 2022
In-person and Virtual Worship Service
10:00am
Link

Thursday, September 1, 2022
Saint Mary’s Dinner Group
6:00pm
Contact Julie Thomas for more information – julieandcats at comcast.net

Thursday, September 1, 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.

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Saint Mary’s Weekly – August 19, 2022

by

Weekly Worship Service

Sunday, August 21, 2022  –  Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost

First Message:  Hebrews 12:18-29
Gospel:   Luke 13:10-17

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

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

To join the 10am worship on August 21, 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 August 21 Service Bulletin – Click HERE

For the Pentecost and Summer service song sheet – Click HERE

We invite you to view the August 14 sermon video –  Click HERE

What’s in this Weekly?

Meet with Rev. Lindsey

Outreach

Announcements

Prayers & Pastoral Care in the Weekly

Upcoming Events at Saint Mary’s

Meet with Rev. Lindsey

Rev. Lindsey want to get to know you!  By the end of August, our new priest is hoping to have met with everyone in the congregation.  You can meet with her as an individual* or family; at church, on Zoom, or for a home visit.  Click HERE to find a time that works for you to meet with Rev. Lindsey Briggs.

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

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Outreach

Provide Relief and Help Communities Recover from Flooding and Fires

A message from the Episcopal Relief and DevelopmentDeadly flooding and fires in southern and western parts of the US are displacing thousands and creating a financial burden on the most vulnerable. Episcopal Relief & Development is working with church and local partners to provide help where it’s needed the most. Your swift response and compassionate gift to the Episcopal Relief & Development Disaster Fund will provide supplies to help communities in Kentucky, Virginia, Missouri, California and other places make a full and sustained recovery. Visit episcopalrelief.org to make a contribution today.

Return to Top

Announcements

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

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

Return to Top

Prayer Requests & Pastoral Care

Please pray for those on Saint Mary’s prayer list:  Bishop Craig Loya as he leads the ECMN; ECMN; all front-line workers; teachers and those who support children and youth in education; all who have had hardships because of Covid; all who are homeless, unemployed, or struggling financially; doctors, nurses, caregivers, and all who care for the sick or dying; all who work for new systems of justice and equity; all those who are in need of some extra love, grace, peace, and good energy; all who are in need of prayer.

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

Return to Top

Upcoming Events at Saint Mary’s
Opportunities for Worship, Education, & Meet-Ups
for the week of 8/19 – 8/25

Sunday, August 21, 2022
In-person and Virtual Worship Service
10:00am
Link

Tuesday, August 23, 2022
Vestry Meeting
7 pm
Vestry Meetings are open to all Saint Mary’s members. Email wardens@saintmaryepiscopal.org for more information

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

Thursday, August 18, 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.

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Saint Mary’s Weekly – August 12, 2022

by

Weekly Worship Service

Sunday, August 14, 2022  –  Tenth Sunday after Pentecost

First Message:  Isaiah 61:10-11
Gospel:  Luke 1:46-55

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

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

To join the 10am worship on August 14, 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 August 14 Service Bulletin – Click HERE

For the Pentecost and Summer service song sheet – Click HERE

We invite you to view the August 7 sermon video –  Click HERE

What’s in this Weekly?

Meet with Rev. Lindsey

Outreach

Announcements

Prayers & Pastoral Care in the Weekly

Upcoming Events at Saint Mary’s

Meet with Rev. Lindsey

Rev. Lindsey want to get to know you!  By the end of August, our new priest is hoping to have met with everyone in the congregation.  You can meet with her as an individual* or family; at church, on Zoom, or for a home visit.  Click HERE to find a time that works for you to meet with Rev. Lindsey Briggs.

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

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Outreach

School Tools Drive

Each year we join with Interfaith Action of St. Paul and other congregations to collect school tools to help supply 9 local programs serving low income families.

This year the drive runs through Sunday August 14. Items can be dropped off in the box in the church entrance, or donations can be made to the ‘Interfaith Action of Greater St. Paul‘ organization online. Search for ‘School Tools’ when on the site.

Items of high need for donations include:
Pencils, crayons, markers, spirals, composition notebooks, folders, and notebook paper.

Questions can be directed to:
Rainy Morgan at: Morgan55105 at yahoo.com

Thanks in advance for considering this helpful project to support needy kids!

Provide Relief and Help Communities Recover from Flooding and Fires

A message from the Episcopal Relief and DevelopmentDeadly flooding and fires in southern and western parts of the US are displacing thousands and creating a financial burden on the most vulnerable. Episcopal Relief & Development is working with church and local partners to provide help where it’s needed the most. Your swift response and compassionate gift to the Episcopal Relief & Development Disaster Fund will provide supplies to help communities in Kentucky, Virginia, Missouri, California and other places make a full and sustained recovery. Visit episcopalrelief.org to make a contribution today.

Return to Top

Announcements

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

  • Masks covering the nose and mouth are still required indoors.
  • 6’ physical (also known as “social”) distancing will not continue.
  • Lay Leader or Officiant will continue to read important announcements from lectern, including those from the Weekly Email, from the basket at the back of sanctuary and from the chat. Individual parishioners go to floor mic to request prayers. Anti-bacterial wipes will be available to wipe the mic for those who wish to do so.
  • Bread and wine will be distributed for communion. Wine will be served from the “pourable chalice”, so bring your small glasses or take a paper cup from an usher.
  • Communion will take place at the center aisle, either standing or kneeling.
  • Small processions are back.
  • Use Acolytes again (with parental permission)
  • Singing with masks in place!
  • Passing the peace with handshakes – yes, can do this. We need to respect that people have different comfort levels. Please check each person’s color dot and/or ask re their preference.
    • RED • dot – maintain social distance (peace sign, air hug)
    • YELLOW • dot – more comfortable coming closer (a wave, or a fist or elbow bump as a greeting)
    • GREEN • dot – willing to be close and are potentially open to hugs
Senior Quilt Presentations
It is that time of year again– QUILTS FOR SENIORS.  It has been a Saint Mary’s Tradition to pass out beautiful homemade quilts (courtesy of Anne Green’s talented quilting and assisted by Cathy McNaughton).  These quilts have beautiful squares from our favorite prayers and reminders of Saint Mary’s.  Annually, we wrap our seniors in the words of our tradition in the presence of their parents and guardians so they know they are loved and embraced as they spread their wings into the next chapter of their lives.
This year, we recognize our seniors:  Charlie, Emma, and Rachel. Charlie and Rachel were recognized on August 7th.  Emma will be recognized this Sunday, August 14th.  Please join us to honor Emma.

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Prayer Requests & Pastoral Care

Please pray for those on Saint Mary’s prayer list: Don Horton, who died this week, and the Horton family; Bishop Craig Loya as he leads the ECMN; ECMN; all front-line workers; teachers and those who support children and youth in education; all who have had hardships because of Covid; all who are homeless, unemployed, or struggling financially; doctors, nurses, caregivers, and all who care for the sick or dying; all who work for new systems of justice and equity; all those who are in need of some extra love, grace, peace, and good energy; all who are in need of prayer.

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

Don Horton

Don Horton passed from this life August 5, 2022.  His memorial service will be 1pm on Saturday, August 13, 2022 at St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church in Roseville.  For his full obituary, Click HERE.

May the soul of our faithful departed rest in peace. Amen.

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Upcoming Events at Saint Mary’s
Opportunities for Worship, Education, & Meet-Ups
for the week of 8/12 – 8/18

Sunday, August 14, 2022
In-person and Virtual Worship Service
10:00am
Link

Tuesday, August 16, 2022
Finance Committee Meeting
6:30pm
Email finance@saintmarysepiscopal.org for more information

Thursday, August 18, 2022
Communications Team Meeting — Cancelled, to be rescheduled
5:30pm
Email communications@saintmarysepiscopal.org for more information

Thursday, August 18, 2022
Saint Mary’s Dinner Group
6:00pm
Contact Julie Thomas for more information – julieandcats at comcast.net

Thursday, August 18, 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.

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Saint Mary’s Weekly – August 5, 2022

by

Weekly Worship Service

Sunday, August 7, 2022  –  Ninth Sunday after Pentecost

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

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

To join the 10am worship on August 7, 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 August 7 Service Bulletin – Click HERE

For the Pentecost and Summer service song sheet – Click HERE

We invite you to view the July 31 sermon video –  Click HERE

What’s in this Weekly?

Meet with Rev. Lindsey

Outreach

Announcements

Prayers & Pastoral Care in the Weekly

Upcoming Events at Saint Mary’s

Meet with Rev. Lindsey

Rev. Lindsey want to get to know you!  By the end of August, our new priest is hoping to have met with everyone in the congregation.  You can meet with her as an individual* or family; at church, on Zoom, or for a home visit.  Click HERE to find a time that works for you to meet with Rev. Lindsey Briggs.

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

Return to Top

Outreach

School Tools Drive

Each year we join with Interfaith Action of St. Paul and other congregations to collect school tools to help supply 9 local programs serving low income families.

This year the drive runs through Sunday August 14. Items can be dropped off in the box in the church entrance, or donations can be made to the ‘Interfaith Action of Greater St. Paul‘ organization online. Search for ‘School Tools’ when on the site.

Items of high need for donations include:
Pencils, crayons, markers, spirals, composition notebooks, folders, and notebook paper.

Questions can be directed to:
Rainy Morgan at: Morgan55105 at yahoo.com

Thanks in advance for considering this helpful project to support needy kids!

Provide Relief and Help Communities Recover from Flooding and Fires

A message from the Episcopal Relief and DevelopmentDeadly flooding and fires in southern and western parts of the US are displacing thousands and creating a financial burden on the most vulnerable. Episcopal Relief & Development is working with church and local partners to provide help where it’s needed the most. Your swift response and compassionate gift to the Episcopal Relief & Development Disaster Fund will provide supplies to help communities in Kentucky, Virginia, Missouri, California and other places make a full and sustained recovery. Visit episcopalrelief.org to make a contribution today.

Return to Top

Announcements

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

  • Masks covering the nose and mouth are still required indoors.
  • 6’ physical (also known as “social”) distancing will not continue.
  • Lay Leader or Officiant will continue to read important announcements from lectern, including those from the Weekly Email, from the basket at the back of sanctuary and from the chat. Individual parishioners go to floor mic to request prayers. Anti-bacterial wipes will be available to wipe the mic for those who wish to do so.
  • Bread and wine will be distributed for communion. Wine will be served from the “pourable chalice”, so bring your small glasses or take a paper cup from an usher.
  • Communion will take place at the center aisle, either standing or kneeling.
  • Small processions are back.
  • Use Acolytes again (with parental permission)
  • Singing with masks in place!
  • Passing the peace with handshakes – yes, can do this. We need to respect that people have different comfort levels. Please check each person’s color dot and/or ask re their preference.
    • RED • dot – maintain social distance (peace sign, air hug)
    • YELLOW • dot – more comfortable coming closer (a wave, or a fist or elbow bump as a greeting)
    • GREEN • dot – willing to be close and are potentially open to hugs
Senior Quilt Presentations
It is that time of year again– QUILTS FOR SENIORS.  It has been a Saint Mary’s Tradition to pass out beautiful homemade quilts (courtesy of Anne Green’s talented quilting and assisted by Cathy McNaughton).  These quilts have beautiful squares from our favorite prayers and reminders of Saint Mary’s.  Annually, we wrap our seniors in the words of our tradition in the presence of their parents and guardians so they know they are loved and embraced as they spread their wings into the next chapter of their lives.
This year, we recognize our seniors:  Charlie, Emma, and Rachel. Charlie and Rachel will be recognized on August 7th, and Emma will be recognized on August 14th.  Please join us to honor them.
 

July Vestry Meeting Summary

There have been ongoing issues at church with the internet that has caused problems with live-streaming Sunday worship services. Josh McCallister was kind enough to come back and walk through with us the various wireless routers in building.  It was determined that the wireless routers were not the issue. Our internet service provider, Comcast, was called and a technician sent. They determined that our main router was in need of replacement. Fingers are crossed that we have that issue solved.

We discussed different ways that the church could support Rev. Lindsey now that she has been around for a few months and identified some things.

  • There is no air conditioning in the offices, making it very difficult to impossible to work there on warm days. We will look into repair/replacement of the old non-functioning system.
  • Administrative tasks- the last time we had a paid administrator was 2015.
    • Lindsey will compile a task list for further discussion on how best to have them completed, and by whom.

The Vestry is planning a retreat for October 2. Canon Blair Pogue will be a guest speaker. The focus of the retreat will be to provide tools to the vestry in their role as spiritual leaders of the church.

There is interest in how and when to communicate about changes in church membership, such as when someone tells us they will no longer be attending St. Mary’s. The vestry will have further discussions about ideas such as periodic ceremonies acknowledging transitions, both departures and welcoming of new members.
 
Jane Wells is ready to re-retire from her service as a deacon. Rev. Lindsey will work with Jane to plan a date to thank Jane for her service during worship, with a celebration to follow.

Return to Top

Prayer Requests & Pastoral Care

Please pray for those on Saint Mary’s prayer list: Don; the Horton family; Bishop Craig Loya as he leads the ECMN; ECMN; all front-line workers; teachers and those who support children and youth in education; all who have had hardships because of Covid; all who are homeless, unemployed, or struggling financially; doctors, nurses, caregivers, and all who care for the sick or dying; all who work for new systems of justice and equity; all those who are in need of some extra love, grace, peace, and good energy; all who are in need of prayer.

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

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, & Meet-Ups
for the week of 8/5 – 8/11

Sunday, August 5, 2022
In-person and Virtual Worship Service
10:00am
Link

Thursday, August 11, 2022
Saint Mary’s Dinner Group
6:00pm
Contact Julie Thomas for more information – julieandcats at comcast.net

Thursday, August 11, 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 – July 29, 2022

by

Weekly Worship Service

Sunday, July 31, 2022  –  Eighth Sunday after Pentecost

  • First Message:  Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16
  • Gospel:  Luke 12:32-40
10:00am – Hybrid (In-Person and Zoom) Eucharist Service

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

To join the 10am worship on July 31, 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 July 31 Service Bulletin – Click HERE

For the Pentecost and Summer service song sheet – Click HERE

We invite you to view the July 24 sermon video –  Click HERE

What’s in this Weekly?

Meet with Rev. Lindsey

Outreach

Announcements

Prayers & Pastoral Care in the Weekly

Upcoming Events at Saint Mary’s

Meet with Rev. Lindsey

Rev. Lindsey want to get to know you!  By the end of August, our new priest is hoping to have met with everyone in the congregation.  You can meet with her as an individual* or family; at church, on Zoom, or for a home visit.  Click HERE to find a time that works for you to meet with Rev. Lindsey Briggs.

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

Return to Top

Outreach

School Tools Drive

Each year we join with Interfaith Action of St. Paul and other congregations to collect school tools to help supply 9 local programs serving low income families.

This year the drive runs through Sunday August 14. Items can be dropped off in the box in the church entrance, or donations can be made to the ‘Interfaith Action of Greater St. Paul‘ organization online. Search for ‘School Tools’ when on the site.

Items of high need for donations include:
Pencils, crayons, markers, spirals, composition notebooks, folders, and notebook paper.

Questions can be directed to:
Rainy Morgan at: Morgan55105 at yahoo.com

Thanks in advance for considering this helpful project to support needy kids!

Return to Top

Announcements

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

  • Masks covering the nose and mouth are still required indoors.
  • 6’ physical (also known as “social”) distancing will not continue.
  • Lay Leader or Officiant will continue to read important announcements from lectern, including those from the Weekly Email, from the basket at the back of sanctuary and from the chat. Individual parishioners go to floor mic to request prayers. Anti-bacterial wipes will be available to wipe the mic for those who wish to do so.
  • Bread and wine will be distributed for communion. Wine will be served from the “pourable chalice”, so bring your small glasses or take a paper cup from an usher.
  • Communion will take place at the center aisle, either standing or kneeling.
  • Small processions are back.
  • Use Acolytes again (with parental permission)
  • Singing with masks in place!
  • Passing the peace with handshakes – yes, can do this. We need to respect that people have different comfort levels. Please check each person’s color dot and/or ask re their preference.
    • RED • dot – maintain social distance (peace sign, air hug)
    • YELLOW • dot – more comfortable coming closer (a wave, or a fist or elbow bump as a greeting)
    • GREEN • dot – willing to be close and are potentially open to hugs
Senior Quilts
It is that time of year again– QUILTS FOR SENIORS.  It has been a Saint Mary’s Tradition to pass out beautiful homemade quilts (courtesy of Anne Green’s talented quilting and assisted by Cathy McNaughton).  These quilts have beautiful squares from our favorite prayers and reminders of Saint Mary’s.  Annually, we wrap our seniors in the words of our tradition in the presence of their parents and guardians so they know they are loved and embraced as they spread their wings into the next chapter of their lives.
This year, we recognize Charlie, Emma, and Rachel. The quilts will be placed out for signatures during the week in the Saint Mary’s room and this Sunday (July 31). Two of our seniors, Charlie and Rachel, will be recognized on August 7th, and Emma will be recognized on August 14th.  Please sign the quilts and join us to honor them.

Return to Top

Prayer Requests & Pastoral Care

Please pray for those on Saint Mary’s prayer list: Don; the Horton family; Bishop Craig Loya as he leads the ECMN; ECMN; all front-line workers; teachers and those who support children and youth in education; all who have had hardships because of Covid; all who are homeless, unemployed, or struggling financially; doctors, nurses, caregivers, and all who care for the sick or dying; all who work for new systems of justice and equity; all those who are in need of some extra love, grace, peace, and good energy; all who are in need of prayer.

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

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, & Meet-Ups
for the week of 7/29 – 8/4

Sunday, July 31, 2022
In-person and Virtual Worship Service
10:00am
Link

Monday, August 1, 2022
Compline (First Monday of each month during the summer)
7:30pm
Link

Tuesday, August 2, 2022
Men’s Group Meeting
7:00pm
Email smmg@saintmarysepiscopal.org for more information

Thursday, August 4, 2022
Saint Mary’s Dinner Group
6:00pm
Contact Julie Thomas for more information – julieandcats at comcast.net

Thursday, August 4, 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 – July 22, 2022

by

Weekly Worship Service

Sunday, July 24, 2022  –  Seventh Sunday after Pentecost

  • First Message: “Six Recognitions of the Lord”, a poem by Mary Oliver
  • Gospel:  Luke 11:1-13
10:00am – Hybrid (In-Person and Zoom) Eucharist Service

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

To join the 10am worship on July 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 July 24 Service Bulletin – Click HERE

For the Pentecost and Summer service song sheet – Click HERE

We invite you to view the July 17 sermon video –  Click HERE

What’s in this Weekly?

Meet with Rev. Lindsey

Outreach

Announcements

Prayers & Pastoral Care in the Weekly

Upcoming Events at Saint Mary’s

Meet with Rev. Lindsey

Rev. Lindsey want to get to know you!  By the end of August, our new priest is hoping to have met with everyone in the congregation.  You can meet with her as an individual* or family; at church, on Zoom, or for a home visit.  Click HERE to find a time that works for you to meet with Rev. Lindsey Briggs.

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

Return to Top

Outreach

School Tools Drive

Each year we join with Interfaith Action of St. Paul and other congregations to collect school tools to help supply 9 local programs serving low income families.

This year the drive runs through Sunday August 14. Items can be dropped off in the box in the church entrance, or donations can be made to the ‘Interfaith Action of Greater St. Paul‘ organization online. Search for ‘School Tools’ when on the site.

Items of high need for donations include:
Pencils, crayons, markers, spirals, composition notebooks, folders, and notebook paper.

Questions can be directed to:
Rainy Morgan at: Morgan55105 at yahoo.com

Thanks in advance for considering this helpful project to support needy kids!

Return to Top

Announcements

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

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

Return to Top

Prayer Requests & Pastoral Care

Please pray for those on Saint Mary’s prayer list: Don; the Horton family; Bishop Craig Loya as he leads the ECMN; ECMN; all front-line workers; teachers and those who support children and youth in education; all who have had hardships because of Covid; all who are homeless, unemployed, or struggling financially; doctors, nurses, caregivers, and all who care for the sick or dying; all who work for new systems of justice and equity; all those who are in need of some extra love, grace, peace, and good energy; all who are in need of prayer.

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

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, & Meet-Ups
for the week of 7/22 – 7/28

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

Tuesday, July 26, 2022
Vestry Meeting
7:00pm
Email wardens@saintmarysepiscopal.org for more information

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

Thursday, July 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!)

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

Return to Top

Saint Mary’s Weekly – July 15, 2022

by

Weekly Worship Service

Sunday, July 17, 2022  –  Sixth Sunday after Pentecost

  • First Message:  Colossians 1:15-28
  • Gospel:  Luke 10:38-42
10:00am – Hybrid (In-Person and Zoom) Eucharist Service

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

To join the 10am worship on July 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 July 17 Service Bulletin – Click HERE

For the Pentecost and Summer service song sheet – Click HERE

Due to technical difficulties, the July 10 sermon is unavailable.  To view the July 3 sermon video –  Click HERE

What’s in this Weekly?

Meet with Rev. Lindsey

Outreach

Announcements

Prayers & Pastoral Care in the Weekly

Upcoming Events at Saint Mary’s

Meet with Rev. Lindsey

Rev. Lindsey want to get to know you!  By the end of August, our new priest is hoping to have met with everyone in the congregation.  You can meet with her as an individual* or family; at church, on Zoom, or for a home visit.  Click HERE to find a time that works for you to meet with Rev. Lindsey Briggs.

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

Return to Top

Outreach

School Tools Drive

Each year we join with Interfaith Action of St. Paul and other congregations to collect school tools to help supply 9 local programs serving low income families.

This year the drive runs through Sunday August 14. Items can be dropped off in the box in the church entrance, or donations can be made to the ‘Interfaith Action of Greater St. Paul ‘ organization online. Search for ‘School Tools’ when on the site.

Items of high need for donations include:
Pencils, crayons, markers, spirals, composition notebooks, folders, and notebook paper.

Questions can be directed to:
Rainy Morgan at: Morgan55105 at yahoo.com

Thanks in advance for considering this helpful project to support needy kids !

Return to Top

Announcements

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

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

Return to Top

Prayer Requests & Pastoral Care

Please pray for those on Saint Mary’s prayer list: Don; the Horton family; Bishop Craig Loya as he leads the ECMN; ECMN; all front-line workers; teachers and those who support children and youth in education; all who have had hardships because of Covid; all who are homeless, unemployed, or struggling financially; doctors, nurses, caregivers, and all who care for the sick or dying; all who work for new systems of justice and equity; all those who are in need of some extra love, grace, peace, and good energy; all who are in need of prayer.

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

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, & Meet-Ups
for the week of 7/15 – 7/21

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

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

Thursday, July 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!)

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

Return to Top

Saint Mary’s Weekly – July 8, 2022

by

Weekly Worship Service

Sunday, July 10, 2022  –  Fifth Sunday after Pentecost

  • First Message:  Colossians 1:1-14
  • Gospel:  Luke 10:25-37
10:00am – Hybrid (In-Person and Zoom) Eucharist Service

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

To join the 10am worship on July 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 July 10 Service Bulletin – Click HERE

For the Pentecost and Summer service song sheet – Click HERE

To view the July 3 sermon video –  Click HERE

What’s in this Weekly?

Welcoming our Rector

Outreach

Announcements

Prayers & Pastoral Care in the Weekly

Upcoming Events at Saint Mary’s

Welcoming our Rector

Rev. Lindsey want to get to know you!  By the end of August, our new priest is hoping to have met with everyone in the congregation.  You can meet with her as an individual* or family; at church, on Zoom, or for a home visit.  Click HERE to find a time that works for you to meet with Rev. Lindsey Briggs.

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

Return to Top

Outreach

St. Mary’s—Making a difference in the world through KIVA  (6/24/2022)
The following is a report from Kenya about one of the loans St. Mary’s made with KIVA funds:

Dear lenders,

We would like to express our appreciation for your generosity in support of the
Juhudi Kilimo Team and the smallholder farmers of Kenya. Your personal commitment has been
incredibly helpful and allowed us to reach our goal of transforming lives. I am excited to report
that Mercy has successfully repaid the loan to pay school fees for her child to enable her child to
gain more skills for a more successful future, as schools open after the covid-19 lockdown.
Again, thank you! It is great to know that we have friends from all over the world who support
our farmers.

Sincerely,

The Juhudi Kilimo Team

Return to Top

Announcements

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

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

Return to Top

Prayer Requests & Pastoral Care

Please pray for those on Saint Mary’s prayer list: Don; the Horton family; Bishop Craig Loya as he leads the ECMN; ECMN; all front-line workers; teachers and those who support children and youth in education; all who have had hardships because of Covid; all who are homeless, unemployed, or struggling financially; doctors, nurses, caregivers, and all who care for the sick or dying; all who work for new systems of justice and equity; all those who are in need of some extra love, grace, peace, and good energy; all who are in need of prayer.

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

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

Meal Train for Coblentz Family

As many folks may have heard, the Coblentz Circus (Eddie, Airika, Fletcher, Cooper, Hudson, Nathan) is recovering from Eddie’s surprise heart surgery. If you’re able to support the family as Eddie recovers, please sign up for their meal train! mealtrain.com/1nwz65

Return to Top

Upcoming Events at Saint Mary’s
Opportunities for Worship, Education, & Meet-Ups
for the week of 7/8 – 7/15

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

Tuesday, July 12, 2022
Men’s Group Meeting
7:00pm
Email smmg@saintmarysepiscopal.org for more information

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

Thursday, July 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!)

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

Return to Top

Saint Mary’s Weekly – July 1, 2022

by

Weekly Worship Service

Sunday, July 3, 2022  –  Fourth Sunday after Pentecost

  • First Message: Galatians 6:1-16
  • Gospel: Luke 10:1-11, 16-20
10:00am – Hybrid (In-Person and Zoom) Eucharist Service

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

To join the 10am worship on July 3, 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 July 3 Service Bulletin – Click HERE

For the Pentecost and Summer service song sheet – Click HERE

To view the June 26 sermon video –  Click HERE

What’s in this Weekly?

Welcoming our Rector

Outreach

Announcements

Prayers & Pastoral Care in the Weekly

Upcoming Events at Saint Mary’s

Welcoming our Rector

Would you like to know more about Reverend Lindsey? Do you have questions for her – serious or silly – that you’d like to ask? If so, click this link to submit your question. The answer just may be featured in an upcoming “Getting to Know Our New Rector” article.

You’re also invited to follow Reverend Lindsey on Instagram @revlindseybriggs.

Stay tuned for an announcement about how to sign up for opportunities to get to know Reverend Lindsey.

Return to Top

Outreach

St. Mary’s—Making a difference in the world through KIVA  (6/24/2022)
The following is a report from Kenya about one of the loans St. Mary’s made with KIVA funds:

Dear lenders,

We would like to express our appreciation for your generosity in support of the
Juhudi Kilimo Team and the smallholder farmers of Kenya. Your personal commitment has been
incredibly helpful and allowed us to reach our goal of transforming lives. I am excited to report
that Mercy has successfully repaid the loan to pay school fees for her child to enable her child to
gain more skills for a more successful future, as schools open after the covid-19 lockdown.
Again, thank you! It is great to know that we have friends from all over the world who support
our farmers.

Sincerely,

The Juhudi Kilimo Team

Return to Top

Announcements

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

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

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Prayer Requests & Pastoral Care

Please pray for those on Saint Mary’s prayer list: Don; the Horton family; Bishop Craig Loya as he leads the ECMN; ECMN; all front-line workers; teachers and those who support children and youth in education; all who have had hardships because of Covid; all who are homeless, unemployed, or struggling financially; doctors, nurses, caregivers, and all who care for the sick or dying; all who work for new systems of justice and equity; all those who are in need of some extra love, grace, peace, and good energy; all who are in need of prayer.

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

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

Meal Train for Coblentz Family

As many folks may have heard, the Coblentz Circus (Eddie, Airika, Fletcher, Cooper, Hudson, Nathan) is recovering from Eddie’s surprise heart surgery. If you’re able to support the family as Eddie recovers, please sign up for their meal train! mealtrain.com/1nwz65

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

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

Thursday, July 7, 2022
Saint Mary’s Dinner Group
6:00pm
Contact Julie Thomas for more information – julieandcats at comcast.net

Thursday, July 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.

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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’ Phillips 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 – June 24, 2022

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Weekly Worship Service

Sunday, June 26, 2022   Pride Sunday – Third Sunday after Pentecost

First Message: “In the Image of God”  by Dr. Joy Ladin
Gospel: Mark 5:24b-34

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

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

To join the 10am worship on June 26, 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 June 26 Service Bulletin – Click HERE

For the Pentecost and Summer service song sheet – Click HERE

To view the June 19 sermon video –  Click HERE

What’s in this Weekly?

Worship Team

Welcoming our Rector

Outreach

Announcements

Prayers in the Weekly

Upcoming Events at Saint Mary’s

Worship Team

Pride Sunday at St. Mary’s
This Sunday, June 26th, is Pride Sunday. Some folks will already be in Minneapolis at the parade in the morning; Episcopalians march in the Pride Parade every year.

At St. Mary’s we’ll celebrate Pride Sunday with a Pride service, which will feature:

  • An essay by poet Dr. Joy Ladin for the First Reading.
  • At the Eucharistic Prayer, gathering in a circle around the altar (no change to the Eucharistic prayer itself).

What can you do to celebrate Pride Sunday?  Wear something festive and celebratory!  Glitter, sequins, and sparkles are not required, but definitely encouraged!

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Welcoming our Rector

Would you like to know more about Reverend Lindsey? Do you have questions for her – serious or silly – that you’d like to ask? If so, click this link to submit your question. The answer just may be featured in an upcoming “Getting to Know Our New Rector” article.

You’re also invited to follow Reverend Lindsey on Instagram @revlindseybriggs.

Stay tuned for an announcement about how to sign up for opportunities to get to know Reverend Lindsey.

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Outreach

St. Mary’s—Making a difference in the world through KIVA  (6/24/2022)
The following is a report from Kenya about one of the loans St. Mary’s made with KIVA funds:

Dear lenders,

We would like to express our appreciation for your generosity in support of the
Juhudi Kilimo Team and the smallholder farmers of Kenya. Your personal commitment has been
incredibly helpful and allowed us to reach our goal of transforming lives. I am excited to report
that Mercy has successfully repaid the loan to pay school fees for her child to enable her child to
gain more skills for a more successful future, as schools open after the covid-19 lockdown.
Again, thank you! It is great to know that we have friends from all over the world who support
our farmers.

Sincerely,

The Juhudi Kilimo Team

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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.
    • RED • dot – maintain social distance (peace sign, air hug)
    • YELLOW • dot – more comfortable coming closer (a wave, or a fist or elbow bump as a greeting)
    • GREEN • dot – willing to be close and are potentially open to hugs

St. Mary’s Participates in Episcopal Night at the Twins Game (6/21/2022)

St. Mary's parishioners at Episcopal Night
Jim, Cindy, Ginny, Guilia, and Rev. Lindsey having a ball at the Episcopal Night Twins Game

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Prayer Requests

Please pray for those on Saint Mary’s prayer list: Don; the Horton family; Bishop Craig Loya as he leads the ECMN; ECMN; all front-line workers; teachers and those who support children and youth in education; all who have had hardships because of Covid; all who are homeless, unemployed, or struggling financially; doctors, nurses, caregivers, and all who care for the sick or dying; all who work for new systems of justice and equity; all those who are in need of some extra love, grace, peace, and good energy; all who are in need of prayer.

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

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

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Upcoming Events at Saint Mary’s
Opportunities for Worship, Education, & Meet-Ups
for the week of 6/24 – 6/30

Sunday, June 26, 2022
In-person and Virtual Worship Service
10:00am
Link

Tuesday, June 28, 2022
Vestry Meeting
7:00pm
Email wardens@saintmarysepiscopal.org for more information

Thursday, June 30, 2022
Saint Mary’s Dinner Group
6:00pm
Contact Julie Thomas for more information – julieandcats at comcast.net

Thursday, June 30, 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.

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Saint Mary’s Weekly – June 17, 2022

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Weekly Worship Service

Sunday, June 19, 2022   Second Sunday after Pentecost

First Message:  Galatians 3:23-29
Gospel:  Luke 4:14-21

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

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

To join the 10am worship on June 19, 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 June 19 Service Bulletin – Click HERE. 

For the Pentecost and Summer service song sheet – Click HERE

Due to technical difficulties, the June 12 sermon was not recorded.  If you haven’t viewed the June 5 Pentecost sermon video yet, Click HERE to see it.

What’s in this Weekly?

Worship Team

Welcoming our Next Rector

Announcements

Prayers in the Weekly

Upcoming Events at Saint Mary’s

Worship Team

Hey!  Where’s “What’s New?”

Yep, the “What’s New?” section of the Weekly  Email is being discontinued after this posting.

The “What’s New?” section was started when things changed frequently, when we had a different style of service each Sunday… sometimes it was Eucharist, sometimes adapted Morning Prayer, sometimes even a Zoom only Gospel Based Discipleship. Because of the constant changes, it was important to keep parishioners abreast of what worship would look like week to week. Now that The Rev. Lindsey Briggs is with us and will have Eucharist every week, things won’t change weekly.

Also, the Worship Team probably won’t meet until sometime in August so there will be nothing new on that front.

If there are changes in worship that the St Mary’s community needs to know about, you can be certain that you’ll find that information here in the Weekly Email.

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.   Click HERE to give feedback. Thanks!

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Welcoming our Rector

Would you like to know more about Reverend Lindsey? Do you have questions for her – serious or silly – that you’d like to ask? If so, click this link to submit your question. The answer just may be featured in an upcoming “Getting to Know Our New Rector” article.

You’re also invited to follow Reverend Lindsey on Instagram @revlindseybriggs.

Stay tuned for an announcement about how to sign up for opportunities to get to know Reverend Lindsey.

Return to Top

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.
    • RED • dot  —  maintain social distance (peace sign, air hug)
    • YELLOW • dot — more comfortable coming closer (a wave, or a fist or elbow bump as a greeting)
    • GREEN • dot — willing to be close and are potentially open to hugs

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. 

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Prayer Requests

Please pray for those on Saint Mary’s prayer list: Don; the Horton family; Bishop Craig Loya as he leads the ECMN; ECMN; all front-line workers; teachers and those who support children and youth in education; all who have had hardships because of Covid; all who are homeless, unemployed, or struggling financially; doctors, nurses, caregivers, and all who care for the sick or dying; all who work for new systems of justice and equity; all those who are in need of some extra love, grace, peace, and good energy; all who are in need of prayer.

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

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

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Upcoming Events at Saint Mary’s
Opportunities for Worship, Education, & Meet-Ups
for the week of 6/17 – 6/23

Sunday, June 19, 2022
In-person and Virtual Worship Service
10:00am Service
Link

Tuesday, June 21, 2022
Finance Committee Meeting Cancelled for June & July. Next meeting in August.
6:30 – 8:00pm, St. Mary’s Room
Contact finance@saintmarysepiscopal.org for the Zoom link

Thursday, June 23, 2022
Saint Mary’s Dinner Group
6:00pm
Contact Julie Thomas for more information – julieandcats at comcast.net

Thursday, June 23, 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.

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Saint Mary’s Weekly – June 10, 2022

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Weekly Worship Service

Sunday, June 12, 2022   Trinity Sunday – First Sunday after Pentecost

  • First Message: Romans 5:1-5
  • Gospel:  John 16:12-15
10:00am – Hybrid (In-Person and Zoom) Eucharist Service

After the service, a Zoom social gathering will be held for those worshiping virtually, and a social gathering will be held in the Sanctuary/St. Mary’s room for in-person worshipers.

To join the 10am worship on June 12, 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 June 12 Service Bulletin for the 10am service – Click HERE

For the Pentecost and Summer service song sheet – Click HERE

To view the June 5 Pentecost sermon video – Click HERE

What’s in this Weekly?

Worship Team

Welcoming our Next Rector

Outreach

Announcements

Prayers in the Weekly

Upcoming Events at Saint Mary’s

Worship Team

Hey!  Where’s “What’s New?”

The “What’s New?” section was started when things changed frequently, when we had a different style of service each Sunday… sometimes it was Eucharist, sometimes adapted Morning Prayer, sometimes even a Zoom only Gospel Based Discipleship. Because of the constant changes, it was important to keep parishioners abreast of what worship would look like week to week. Now that we have a consistent priest and will have Eucharist every week, things won’t change weekly.

Also, the Worship Team probably won’t meet until sometime in August so there will be nothing new on that front.

If there are changes in worship that the St Mary’s community needs to know about, you can be certain that you’ll find that information here in the Weekly Email.

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.   Click HERE to give feedback. Thanks!

Return to Top

Welcoming our Rector

Would you like to know more about Reverend Lindsey? Do you have questions for her – serious or silly – that you’d like to ask? If so, click this link to submit your question. The answer just may be featured in an upcoming “Getting to Know Our New Rector” article.

You’re also invited to follow Reverend Lindsey on Instagram @revlindseybriggs.

Stay tuned for an announcement about how to sign up for opportunities to get to know Reverend Lindsey.

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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!

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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. 

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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

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Upcoming Events at Saint Mary’s
Opportunities for Worship, Education, Choir, & Meet Ups
for the week of 6/10 – 6/16

Sunday, June 12, 2022
In-person and Virtual Worship Service
10:00am Service
Link

Tuesday, June 14, 2022
Men’s Group Meeting
7:00pm
Email smmg@saintmarysepiscopal.org for more information

Thursday, June 16, 2022
Communications Team Meeting
5:30pm

Thursday, June 16, 2022
Saint Mary’s Dinner Group
6:00pm
Contact Julie Thomas for more information – julieandcats at comcast.net

Thursday, June 16, 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 – June 3, 2022

by

Weekly Worship Service

Sunday, June 5, 2022   Day of Pentecost (also known as Easter 8)

  • First Message: Acts 2:1-21
  • Second Message: Romans 8:14-17
  • Gospel:  John 14:8-17
10:00am – Hybrid (In-Person and Zoom) Pentecost Day Eucharist led by our new Rector, The Rev. Lindsey Briggs.

After the service, a Zoom social gathering will be held for those worshiping virtually.  The Pentecost Picnic will be held starting at 11:00am on the St. Mary’s lawn for in-person worshipers and anyone who wants to stop in. 

To join the 10am worship on June 5, 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 June 5 Service Bulletin for the 10am service – Click HERE
For the Pentecost and Summer service song sheet – Click HERE

What’s in this Weekly?

Worship Team

Welcoming our Next Rector

Children, Youth, and Families

Outreach

Announcements

Prayers in the Weekly

Upcoming Events at Saint Mary’s

Worship Team

What’s new? 

  • After a Worship Team meeting on Monday, May 23, we can tell you that starting this Sunday, June 5, we will have Eucharist every Sunday!! This is from our new rector, The Rev. Lindsey Briggs!!!  If you have your own small cup or glass to receive wine, be sure to bring it.  Small paper cups will also be available, if you need one.
  • 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!!
  • Help our new rector get to know us—wear your name tag!! If you don’t have one (or aren’t sure), send an email to the Worship Team (worship@saintmarysepiscopal.org) or  click this link to send an email.  Paulette will make you a name tag. In the email, include the following information:
    • how you’d like your name to display on your name tag,
    • your preferred pronouns, if any, and
    • if you’d like a rainbow flag on your name tag
  • “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? We have a new way for you to communicate your level of comfort with physical contact during Covid.
    • There are DOT 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 June 2022 (hybrid—in-person & virtual unless otherwise noted)
    • June 5 — 10:00am Eucharist service led by our new rector, The Rev. Lindsey Briggs. This is a celebratory service, both because it’s the Day of Pentecost and because it’s the first Sunday The Rev. Briggs is with us. WEAR RED!!! Bring a food item to share and join other St. Marians for a Pentecost picnic.
    • June 6 — 7:30pm Compline (Zoom only)  – FIRST Monday of each month during the summer)
    • June 12, 19, 26 (All Sundays) —10:00am Eucharist led by The Rev. Lindsey Briggs.
  • Weekly Worship Services
    • 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.   Click HERE to give feedback. Thanks!

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Welcoming our Next Rector

Plans taking shape to welcome The Reverend Lindsey Briggs to St. Mary’s
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.
Stay tuned for an announcement about how to sign up for 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!
 
Welcoming Committee

 

Getting to Know Our Next Rector

Please join us this coming Sunday, June 5th as we welcome our new rector – The Reverend Lindsey Briggs! This will be Reverend Lindsey’s first Sunday with us and we are so pleased she is here. Our hope is to have a church FULL of friendly St. Marians to let her know how glad we are she is joining our community. 

After our 10am Eucharist service for Pentecost (remember to wear RED!) we will gather outside for our first picnic since the pandemic began. Please bring a salad, side dish or dessert to share; hamburgers, hot dogs, a vegetarian option and beverages will be provided. Masks will still need to be worn until you are outside for the picnic.

Would you like to know more about Reverend Lindsey? Do you have questions for her – serious or silly – that you’d like to ask? If so, click this link to submit your question. The answer just may be featured in an upcoming “Getting to Know Our New Rector” article.

You’re also invited to follow Reverend Lindsey on Instagram @revlindseybriggs.

 

 

St. Mary’s Children, Youth, and Families

Our last Family Zoom Service for the school year was May 29.  Thanks to all who participated this year.

Programming
Programming has finished for the school year. Thank you to the families and youth who have participated in our programming! It was a pleasure to connect with you though your talents, Legos, and weekly in these small groups! 
 
A BIG THANK YOU to our children and youth programming co-leaders this year. Carmen Patterson and Emily Topinka have been incredibly steadfast volunteers who have led the group weekly and provided hours of fun, fellowship, service, and church activities for our children! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! 
 
Another BIG THANK YOU to Kat Lewis, our beloved youth group leader, who will be re-joining us again next year! We are grateful for their welcoming kindness and connection to our youth!  Thank you Kat, for all you do! 
 

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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. 

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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

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Upcoming Events at Saint Mary’s
Opportunities for Worship, Education, Choir, & Meet Ups
for the week of 6/3 – 6/9

Sunday, June 5, 2022
In-person and Virtual Worship Service
10:00am Service
Link

Monday, June 6, 2022
Compline (First Monday of each month during the summer)
7:30pm
Link

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

Thursday, June 9, 2022
Saint Mary’s Dinner Group
6:00pm
Contact Julie Thomas for more information – julieandcats at comcast.net

Thursday, June 9, 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.

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Saint Mary’s Weekly – May 27, 2022

by

Weekly Worship Services

Sunday, May 29, 2022 – The Seventh Sunday of Easter

  • First Message:  From “That They All May Be One” a sermon by The Rev. Dr. Michael K. Marsh
  • Gospel:  John 17: 20-26
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 29, 2022 Click HERE
If asked for a meeting ID, enter 860 0920 4974
If asked for a passcode, enter Fun
 
10:00am – Virtual (ZOOM ONLY) Adapted Morning Prayer Service led by Erika Scheurer with Gospel Based Discipleship.

After the service, a Zoom social gathering will be held for those worshipping virtually.

To join the 10am worship on May 29, 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 29 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, Youth, and Families

Finance Committee

Pastoral Care

Outreach

Announcements

Prayers in the Weekly

Upcoming Events at Saint Mary’s

Worship Team

What’s new? 

  • To listen to the meditation given by Jim DeLuca on Sunday, May 22, Click HERE.
  • Help our new rector get to know us—wear your name tag!! If you don’t have one (or aren’t sure), send an email to the Worship email so Paulette can make one for you. Indicate your name (as you’d like it to appear on your name tag), preferred pronouns if you’d like them to appear on your name tag and if you’d like a rainbow flag on your name tag.
  • 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 29—
      • 9:00am Family Service (virtual only)
      • 10:00am Gospel Based Discipleship (VIRTUAL ONLY)—Memorial Day Weekend
    • June 5—
      • 10:00am  Eucharist service led by our new rector, The Reverend Lindsey Briggs. This is a celebratory service, both because it’s the Day of Pentecost and because it’s the first Sunday Reverend Briggs is with us.  (hybrid – in-person and virtual)  WEAR RED!!!
    • June 6—
      • 7:30pm  Compline (FIRST Monday of each month during the summer)  (virtual only) 
  • Weekly Worship Services
    • 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 Committee 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.
 
Welcoming 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

Programming
We are winding down programming for the school year. Our last week of Pre-Tweeners, Tweeners, and Youth Group will be the week of May 29-June 3. Thank you to the families and youth who have participated in our programming! It was a pleasure to connect with you though your talents, Legos, and weekly in these small groups! 
 
A BIG THANK YOU to our children and youth programming co-leaders this year. Carmen Patterson and Emily Topinka have been incredibly steadfast volunteers who have led the group weekly and provided hours of fun, fellowship, service, and church activities for our children! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! 
 
Another BIG THANK YOU to Kat Lewis, our beloved youth group leader, who will be re-joining us again next year! We are grateful for their welcoming kindness and connection to our youth!  Thank you Kat, for all you do! 
 
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:
Yes! We are doing our last Family Service on Sunday at 9 am! I know it is Memorial Day weekend– but I figured — why not! It also gives Reverend Lindsey a chance to view what we were doing if she wants to join (I already sent her the information). If no one shows–no problem. But, the last few weeks we have had 4 families– so…yes. Last family Zoom service on Sunday at 9am.
 
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 858 4295 0103
Passcode: Church

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Finance Committee

Update on Saint Mary’s Finances
As of the end of April, pledge income is approximately $5,400 above the projected 2022 annual budget, and total income is approximately $5,900 above the projected budget. Expenses are approximately $1,000 under the projected annual budget. As a result, overall St. Mary’s is running slightly ahead of the projected budget which is positive news given the projected budget is a deficit budget with a projected annual deficit of ($77,309). More detail is available in the linked chart – Click HERE.

Thanks to each of you for your continued financial support of St. Mary’s! If you have any questions, please feel free to e-mail or call Rex Holzemer, Treasurer.

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. 

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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 5/27 – 6/2

Sunday, May 29, 2022
Virtual Family Church Service
9:00am Service
Link

Sunday, May 29, 2022
In-person and Virtual Worship Service
10:00am Service
Link

Wednesday, June 1, 2022
Youth Group
6:30pm
Contact Mia for more information. Click HERE

Wednesday, June 1, 2022
Choir Rehearsal
7:00pm
Email musicdirector@saintmarysepiscopal.org for more information

Thursday, June 2, 2022
Saint Mary’s Dinner Group
6:00pm
Contact Julie Thomas for more information – julieandcats at comcast.net

Thursday, June 2, 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, June 2, 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.

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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

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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. 

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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

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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.

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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!

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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

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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. 

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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

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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.

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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!

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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

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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. 

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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

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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.

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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!

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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

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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. 

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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

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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.

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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

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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. 

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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

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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.

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Saint Mary’s Weekly April 15, 2022

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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!

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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

 

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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. 

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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

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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.

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Saint Mary’s Weekly April 8, 2022

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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!

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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

 

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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. 

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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

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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.

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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!

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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

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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.

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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

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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.

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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!

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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

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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.

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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!

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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!

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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
 

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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!

 

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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

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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.

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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!

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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.
 

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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
 

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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!

 

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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.

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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!

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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!

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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.
 

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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
 

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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

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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.

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Saint Mary’s Weekly – February 25, 2022

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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!

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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.
 

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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.
 

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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.
 

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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
 

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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

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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.

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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!

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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.
 

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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

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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.
 

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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.
 

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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
 

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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

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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.

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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!

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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

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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.
 

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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.
 

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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

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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.

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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!

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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

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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.
 

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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.
 

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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
 

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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

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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.

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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!

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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

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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.
 

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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
 
 

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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.
 

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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
 

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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

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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.

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Saint Mary’s Weekly – January 21, 2022

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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!

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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

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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
 
 

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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.
 

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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!
 

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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

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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.

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Saint Mary’s Weekly – January 14, 2022

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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!

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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

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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.

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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.
 

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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!
 

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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

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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.

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Saint Mary’s Weekly – January 7, 2022

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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!

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“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

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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.

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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.
 

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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!
 

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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.

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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.

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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!

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Vestry discussion of COVID rates and in-person services

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

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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.
 

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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!
 

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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.

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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.

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Saint Mary’s Weekly – December 24, 2021

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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

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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! 

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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!
 

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Prayer Requests

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

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

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

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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!

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Vestry discussion of COVID rates and in-person services

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

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

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

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

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

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“All Our Good Holiday Giving” Update

Message from Nina Johnson: 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Event details: 

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

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Prayer Requests

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Saint Mary’s Weekly – 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

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

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

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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. 
 
 

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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. 
 

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“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

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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. 
 

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Prayer Requests

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

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

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

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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