Outermost Voice

OUTERMOST VOICE

Advent - Christmas 2017

Timeless

Another season is passing and a new one is about to begin, not with fanfare but in the quiet stillness of winter. Time may be marked by the hands of the clock but most people don't spend their lives clock watching. Instead, we observe the passage of time in other ways. We celebrate anniversaries, birthdays and other sentinel events in life. Even then, t he passage of time is mostly experienced after the fact.

Though it seems as if time accelerates as we age, time in fact moves no faster than it did when we were young. It is not time but our perception of reality that changes. As we enter into the season of Advent, echos of Jesus' words remind us to be aware, keep alert. The great revealing is taking place. If we but look, w hat is hidden from the eyes of youth can be seen through the eyes of experience. It is through the timelessness of love that we encounter the eternal, unchanging presence that has been, is and ever shall be God with us.

Terry+

Cross Dedication

Following a recent Sunday service, parishioners and clergy processed outside to dedicate the new cross on the Southeast wall of the church. The orginal cross, which had succumbed to the wind, rain and sea spray, was replaced with a lovely wooden cross created from driftwood by vestry member Bruce Cagwin.

A number of boaters have remarked that they use the cross as a reference point when navigating their way into the harbor. Thanks to Bruce Cagwin, the cross at St. Mary's will continue to serve as a beacon.

Financial Update

As we move toward the end of our fiscal year at St. Mary of the Harbor, we continue to see a deficit trend that began three years ago. Generally speaking, the church's finances are running parallel to last year's. October's year-to-date deficit of $10,781 is $604 higher than the previous year's deficit of $10,177. Likewise, operating income was up by $3667 while operating expenses increased $4271. On a brighter note, the church's balance sheet is solid and Diocesan Investment Trust funds continue to grow at a good rate.

As in previous years, capital improvements and repairs have been made to the buildings, keeping with one of St. Mary's four Core Values. We continue utilize the funds entrusted to us as prudently as possible while remaining faithful to our commission as caretakers of this sacred space.

While deficits are never desirable, St. Mary of the Harbor has always managed to exceed expectations. Last year, the generosity of parishioners and friends of this church made it possible to balance the budget while maintaining our commitment to a healthy and vibrant ministry that includes fully funding our outreach goals. As the end of this fiscal year draws near, we will once again have to rely on the same faithful giving to balance the church's budget.

Mike Sutila, Treasurer

Baobab Update

Ken Russo and Michael McIntyre recently presented a program about Baobab Children's Home and the Steven Tito Academy in Tanzania. Earlier this year, St. Mary of the Harbor committed to a five year partnership in support of Baobab and STA.

During the presentation, Senior Warden Mark Weinress had a good idea: put out a donation basket. By the time the presentation was over, the impromptu collection generated enough money to sponsor a little boy named Musa, who started school at the Steven Tito Academy in July and is already showing potential.

Musa lives with his parents and two siblings in a small home near the school. His father is a farmer and his mother sells waste supply products to factories. When he isn't in the classroom, Musa likes to play football.

To learn more about Baobab Children's Home and Steven Tito Academy, click on the following link:

http://www.tzkids.org

Truly, I tell you, just as you did to one of the least of these who are my family, you did to me.

Jesus of Nazareth

Advent - Christmas Schedule

Wednesdays in Advent

5:15 p.m. Contemplative Service

December 6, 13 & 20

Christmas Eve

5:00 p.m. Carols & Holy Eucharist

note: there will be no Christmas pageant

Christmas Day

10:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist

Community Lunch Ministry

St. Mary's Winter Lunch Program returns January 6th and runs every Saturday (except January 27) through the end of February. Coordinator Bruce Cagwin is looking for chefs, waiters and kitchen volunteers for each Saturday. Sign up sheets will be placed in the kitchen. To learn more about this important ministry, please contact Bruce at j.parky@comcast.net or call the church at 508-487-2622.

S 4 Memorial Service

On November 18, submarine veterans, townspeople and parishioners remembered the officers and crew of the S-4 at our annual memorial service. This was the 80th anniversary of memorials at this seaside church to honor the men of the S 4 and the valiant efforts of their comrades to save them.

Submarine veterans from across New England travel to Provincetown each year to commemorate their brothers. This year, retired Vice-Admiral and Commander of the Sixth Fleet Scott Allen Fry (far right) attended the service. Scott is Charlie Westcott's son-in-law.

Joe Williams, author of Seventeen Fathoms Deep, presented a program about Navy's rescue efforts to save the six surviving crew of the S 4.

A wreath is laid at the memorial cross at the end of the service

New Appointment

At November's Diocesan Convention in Boston, Bishop Alan Gates appointed St. Mary's Rector to serve as Dean of the Cape and Islands Episcopal Churches. In his new role, Terry will serve as liaison between the Cape and Islands clergy and the bishops, provide pastoral care to active clergy, and will serve as an advisor to the diocesan office regarding congregational life on the Cape. In keeping with the Episcopal Church's peculiar affinity for lofty titles, St. Mary's Rector is now The Very Reverend Terry R. Pannell.

Vestry Update

Vestry Actions - October & November Meetings

Approved a $900 donation to the Soup Kitchen in Provicencetown to fund lunches during the winter months
Approved a policy requiring a $500 non-refundable deposit for scheduled weddings
Designated the 2017 Thanksgiving offering for Outreach. Concurred with the Outreach Committee's recommendation that the offering be divided evenly between Helping Our Women, Cape Cod Council of Churches and the Homeless Prevention Council
Authorized this year's Christmas offering to offset the church's deficit and that any remaining funds be designated for Outreach
Authorized Senior Warden to commission a sign for the beach stairs that reflect the recommendations of the church's liability insurance provider
Authorized the Treasurer to purchase additional liability insurance for the church under an umbrella policy
Agreed that there will be one Christmas Eve service without a children's pageant, due to the lack of children attending

To review the minutes from vestry meetings and the monthly financials, you can click on the following link and scroll down to the links for a specific month:

http://www.stmaryoftheharbor.org/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=206

Ministry of All Believers

You don't have to be ordained by a bishop to be a minister. Every baptized person is a minister of the gospel. That doesn't mean you have to be able to preach a sermon. There are many opportunities at St. Mary of the Harbor where you can exercise a ministry. Here are just a few:

Healing Ministry at Saturday or Sunday services

Serving on the Altar Guild

Singing in the choir

Leading the Prayers of the People on Sunday

Reading the lessons at a worship service

Serving as a usher

Hospitality and Fellowship

Leading a bible discussion group

Volunteering for St. Mary's Community Luncheons

Serving on a church committee or the vestry

Writing / editing articles for the OuterMost Voice

Photographing important events at the church

Volunteering at the Summer Fair or for the Art & Spirit Auction

Every Christian has God given talents. Please talk with Terry to explore how best to use yours.

Stay in touch. Get the latest diocesan wide news at this link:

http://diomass.org/news-pubs/by-category/Diocesan%20News

Parishioner Directory

Click on the following link to view the latest parishioner directory. Once the file is opened, you can save it to your computer's hard drive for future access.

Parish Directory

Please email us at office@stmaryoftheharbor.org or call 508-487-2622 for corrections to your contact information.

Paypal

Online giving is now available for people who are interested in making pledge payments or one time gifts electronically. Access it through the church's website at www.stmaryoftheharbor.org where you will find a "Donate" button on the menu bar at the top of the page and to the right. Click and it will take you to Paypal where you can make your donation. Contact Mike Sutila at msutila@chasemachine if you have questions.