Outermost Voice

OUTERMOST VOICE

October 2017

The Big Picture

It is hard these days to have a conversation without taking sides on the issue de jour. Everyone has an opinion. If there is any doubt, just ask. Or log onto Facebook.

In today's polarized environment there is a tendency to judge people by their views. Those who agree with us can do no wrong; those who do not, can do no right. The problem with this view is that it provides a convenient excuse to avoid conversations of any depth and it makes it harder to build consensus. This is especially true when we focus on what is wrong in the other person rather than recognize what is right.

Someone said that you have to step back from the canvas to fully appreciate a work of art. Distance really does have a way of putting things in perspective. Stepping back from anger and fear and judgement can help us to see that the great tapestry of life woven together by the Creator is made up of many threads and the whole thing is held together by love.

Of course, churches are certainly not immune from polarization. Congregations get into trouble when they lose perspective and develop an unhealthy focus on a particular issue or person(s). When this happens, investing the energy and patience to work through disagreement takes a back seat and the health of the body is put at risk, something Paul frequently addresses in his epistles. Focusing on Christ, as Paul would say, helps us to stay focused on what matters most to God: LOVE.

As difficult and frustrating as it can be, being in a constructive dialogue with people we disagree with while observing healthy boundaries, shows that we care enough about them to want to be in relationship with them. This directly contradicts the desire to impose a resolution. If we become weary in trying, we need only recall God's own persistence in reaching out to us. In Jesus, God demonstrated that love is not only persistent, it looks beyond differences in order to see the big picture.

Terry+

Baobab Update

Earlier this year, St Mary of the Harbor entered into a five year missional relationship with the Baobab Home and Steven Tito Academy in Tanzania. In doing so, we joined with individuals as far away as Sweden. Closer to home, we have become part of a network of Episcopalians in Denver and Phoenix, who like us, learned through word of mouth about the work going on at the orphanage and primary school. Last month, St. Mary's awarded the first of five $2000 annual grants to help children like

Lailati.

When we last talked with Terri Place, the co-founder and director of the orphanage and academy, we learned that three students from the Steven Tito Academy took the top spots in Tanzania's nationwide proficiency testing of students. The academy was named in honor of a thirteen year old orphan who came to Baobab in 2008 and later died from complications from HIV.

When the school was started in 2012, donors suggested that the school be named in his honor because of his love of learning and art. As Terri put it, "We had hoped for a miracle for Steven before he died. Instead, little miracles occur in his name every day."

To learn more about Baobab Orphanage 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

Bishop's Visitation

Bishop Alan Gates made his official visitation to St. Mary of the Harbor on Sunday, September 10. It was his first visit to St. Mary's since his consecration as the Bishop of Massachusetts in 2014. Preaching to a packed church, Bishop Gates lead the congregation in singing "They Will Know We Are Christians by Our Love" as he preached on the characteristics of what makes us Christian.

Following worship, he met and mingled with parishioners and visitors in the parish hall before leaving to have lunch with the Vestry. Over lunch, the bishop and vestry members discussed the mission and ministry of the St Mary of the Harbor and the changing nature of Christianity and how together, we are answering the call to serve Christ in the world.

Financial Update

St. Mary's continues to run a small but stubborn deficit. As of August 31st, the church was running a $4775 deficit, up $3241 from the same time last year. While total revenues were up by $1102 for the first eight months of the fiscal year, total operating expense were also up $3242 for the same period, mostly due to Building and Grounds maintenance and Personnel costs. As we move into the last four months of the year, we will be monitoring revenues and expenses .

On the topic of future finances, I have some very hopeful news to report. Earlier in the summer, we began the church's Annual Pledge Campaign with a goal of $120,000 in total pledges from 65 households. I am pleased to announce that St. Mary's has exceeded both goals, thanks to the generosity of parishioners like you. As of September 14th, 68 households had pledged $133,224 compared to last year's total pledges of $80,098 from 54 households.

Our thanks to all who pledged and everyone who helped lead the pledge drive by sharing their stories on Sunday mornings and speaking about the importance of making a commitment to funding the mission and ministry of St. Mary of the Harbor.

Mike Sutila, Treasurer

St. Mary of the Harbor Welcomes

the Reverend Richard Mayberry

Originally from the Pacific Northwest, R ichard recently moved to Seashore Point in Provincetown from Connecticut, where he served as rector for thirty years at St. Francis Episcopal Church in Stamford. He retired in 2008 but says he "flunked retirement" and ended up serving another seven years as an assisting priest at St. Matthew's in Wilton, CT.

Richard is a graduate of the University of Oregon and was awarded his Master of Divinity from The General Theological Seminary. Before being called to Connecticut to serve as a rector, he was Curate at St. Mark's in Mt. Kisco, New York.

Like many people, Richard was captivated by Provincetown after his first visit in 1972. A few year later he met his partner here in 1987. Calling St. Mary's an "Oasis by the Sea", Richard fondly recalls memories of days past, including his collaboration while in residence at the rectory with the Reverend Dennis Michno on a book familiar to Episcopal clergy, The Priest's Handbook: The Ceremonies of the Church .

July 4th Celebration

St. Mary's Style

Perfect weather, good food, friendly people...

it doesn't get any better in July

Tim Brown fires up the grill

(L to R) Joan, John, Bill and Patrick enjoying a different kind of table fellowship

Art and Spirit
2017

For eight years and running, Art and Spirit has attracted art lovers to St. Mary of the Harbor. This year's auction revenues came in $17,487. After commissions and expenses, St. Mary's netted $13,137, an 11.6% increase from last year's auction. Our thanks to Co-chairs Priscilla Jackett and Mark Weinress, to our donor artists, our underwriters and everyone who worked to make this year a success.

Everyone was greeted by smiles at the regist ration table

Summer Fair 2017

Serious shoppers know the first Saturday in August is when you find the best bargains. Where is at St. Mary's Summer Fair, a tradition that goes back longer than anyone can remember. Thanks to John Carroll and a host of volunteers, this yea's Summer Fair saw sales hit $9486. After expenses, the church netted $8150 for its mission and ministry. Good job!

The always fashionable Deidre Malloy (L)

welcomes visitors to the Summer Fair

Phil Penza served up smiles as well as hamburgers off the grill

Sandy Mason gets ready for the crowds

Ollie Ahmuty and Simonne Ketchum preside

over a banquet of sweets

All the Way from Texas

Greg Sovey and Buck Powers made the long trip from Austin, Texas to be married at St. Mary of the Harbor. Originally, the couple planned to have their wedding at the Pilgrim Monument. After meeting with Terry and seeing the church, they changed their minds. Nuptials took place on July 10th with guests from across the country attending.

Figurines of Greg and Buck stand in front of their wedding cake

Communicate and Connect

Located in a resort town, St. Mary of the Harbor is an unusual congregation in that many of our parishioners live far away during the winter months. Add to that the number of recurring visitors we see in church each year and you can imagine how challenging it can be to stay in touch. That is where the Communicate and Connect Task Force comes into play.

Earlier this summer, Terry asked Gerri Spinella, Anita McGahan, Sara Kaplan, Beth Chapman, Mark Weinress, Patrick McNamara, Joan Gibbons and Dana Faris to look at creative ways to connect a geographical dispersed congregation. Specifically, the group is looking at how we can use technology to welcome newcomers, expand our relationships and develop stronger connections with one another.

While the church's website, FaceBook page and Constant Contact emails are useful tools, they are primarily designed to disseminate information. The goal of CommConn is to expand the church's capabilities using interactive technology. The first fruits of CommConn has led to online web-conferencing at St. Mary's. The first test was conducted on September 16th with participants from Toronto and Provincetown. The next step will be the development of programs and online discussion groups that can be joined online by computer, tablet or cellphone. Stay tuned!

In Concert at St. Mary of the Harbor

Chamber Singers from the Outer Cape Chorale returned this summer for an delightful afternoon of song.

Fred Jodry performed the Goldberg Variations on Bach to a full church

Cool Church

Work crews installed new energy efficient HVAC units in the church and parish hall this summer. The units are used in the summer to cool the buildings and in the winter to provide heat. Because of their energy efficiency, St. Mary's should be able to reduce our oil consumption and save money over time.

Our thanks to Lyn Plummer for putting us in touch with a vendor who provided the units at a deep discount. Because the church will be using the HVAC systems to heat the buildings, St. Mary's qualifies for $5600 in rebates from MassSave and Massachusetts Clean Energy Center.

A Facelift for the Church Signs

The church's signs made a trip to Hyannis to the sign hospital for a much needed refurbishment and re-lettering. Years of blowing rain, sleet, snow, sand and automobile exhaust had take its toll on the signs, which were paid for ten years ago with funds from a grant from the Diocese of Massachusetts.

Cape and Islands Signs made quick work of it. Our freshly refurbished signs were back up within a week.

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.

Happy Hour at the Rectory

Harry McKone (second from left) and his husband George (seated to his right) enjoy an afternoon of cocktails at the rectory with friends Joan and Al Marsh and bartender Dana Faris. Harry and George were the winning bidders at the Summer Fair's Auction for the coveted "Cocktails with the Rector."

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 [email protected] 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.