Last week Judy Hall and I had the privilege of representing St. Mary's delivering an oversized check for $1750 to our community partners at the MLK Jr. Center. Heather Strout, the Assistant Executive Director, and Marilyn Warren, Executive Director spent time showing off the place, programs and people who create this center of nourishment and support in our local community. It is inspiring.

While we were there Jim McGaw of the Portsmouth Times was with us. You can read his story here. One thing that stands out to me is the gratitude that the MLK Center staff have for all the support they receive from volunteers and organizations all over the island. The center thrives because people and communities give and receive through our connection to their mission. I was reminded of our history of deep relationship with the center as Warren told McGaw that "no single organization has done more for the community center than St. Mary's."

This relationship is important to us. I invite all our members and friends to remember the food programs that care for our neighbors through MLK. Checkout their website here. When you are at the grocery store don't forget to shop for your neighbors. As our program year is kicking off, let's kick up our food collection. You will find baskets at the entryway of the parish house and historic church. At our 10 a.m. worship, we have a wagon at the back that will be pulled up during the offertory. This is liturgy in action - connecting our thanksgiving for God's abundance as an offering to God in a tangible way.

We have an amazing weekend planned to include lavish worship, fellowship, theater and hospitality to many guests. Our guest preacher will be the Rev'd Canon Scott Gunn. See you at Church. It too will be inspiring.

Faithfully, Jennifer+

To honor him and our animal companions,  

we will bless your pets at all services on 

Please see Gabe Giella, Director of Christian Formation, or call (846-9700, Ext. 104) or email him at [email protected]