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NEWS FROM ST. MARY'S
A community of Christian worship, well-being and service.
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This week's Gospel focuses on the "Parable of the Mustard Seed." For all of us, I'm sure that story is well ingrained in our brains from early childhood, but if it's fading or it's not one that you're familiar with, be sure to read it because I'm not going to write about the mustard seed.
As I read this parable, what strikes me now are the last sentences of the passage, "With many such parables he spoke the word to them, as they were able to hear it; he did not speak to them except in parables, but he explained everything in private to his disciples." I had not focused on these last sentences until I was in a Bible study at St. Mary's. As we looked at these last words, we became aware that Jesus has two ways of teaching: one for the people who were beginning to follow him and another for his disciples who are at the core of his ministry or are "in the know."
I think that often those of us who have been involved in a church for a long time forget that there are those among us who may be new to St. Mary's or new to the Episcopal Church or to Christianity. Before we know it, we lapse into our "in the know" language such as "the Sarah Gibbs Trust" or "I'm the senior warden" or "This Sunday is Advent 4." We assume that everyone is a core member, not a new person to the language of church. And if I was one of those new people, I'd think to myself, "And that means what?"
So, "The Parable of the Mustard Seed" actually applies to our priorities at St. Mary's. And you are probably asking yourself, "How so?" If it hadn't been for Bible study (one of our priorities), I would not have ever paid close attention to the last sentences and made the connection between the passage and our other priorities. The other priority that this links to is the one of "Growing our church by welcoming new members." Nothing is more alienating than arriving somewhere new and not knowing what people are talking about.
As we grow, we need to be mindful that not everyone is at the same place as we are in their relationship to church. We need to be sure that we are speaking to those who are not in the inner core in a way that they understand and will be welcomed. Finally, the actual parable applies to our priorities. For we do need to scatter some seeds, and once we've done so, we need to take good care of the plant that grows and that is by taking ownership of our faith and our church.
Peace,
Murry Edwards
Senior Warden
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| Midsummer Island Retreat... |
We have been planning the retreat and it is going well. We are reaching out to see if someone is able to donate firewood for our campfire (a pickup truck load). We are also seeking to borrow a couple popup canopies. Please contact the Parish Administrator if you are able to help. Thank you! [email protected]
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Sunday, June 24th at 9AM: Labyrinth Walk
We will walk from the Gathering Space to the Labyrinth at 9AM. You'll learn a little about the history and use of labyrinths, how to use it for spiritual practice, and be given instructions and an opportunity to walk it! Weather Permitting. All ages.
Sunday, June 24th at 7PM: Youth Group Gathering and Creative Project
Local potter Denise will join the youth of SMC for an evening of pottery and fun. Bring $15, old clothes, and your creativity! Frozen treats will be served. If you are interested, please email Marlo Pratt
[email protected] by June 17th to reserve your spot!
Sunday, July 1st 9AM "Signs of Growth"
Hands-on class to expose us to a number of scripture passages related to gardens and growth which we will put on signs and posts to be placed in the garden. Supplies will be provided as we bring God's word to life though creativity and make our garden even more beautiful and inspiring. This is an indoor project for all ages.
Sunday, July 15, 22, & 29, August 5 & 12, 9AM "Emmaus Walks"
An opportunity to have precious time together & learn and reflect on a bible verse, all while taking an intentional walk on our serene and sacred grounds. We will gather at the bridal door of the church or in the Gathering Space (if raining) for a brief teaching, to receive scripture and instructions, and to regroup for prayer and sharing before the 10AM service begins. Perfect for all ages and abilities and families.
SURVEY
Moving into the summer with our mission and ministry priorities newly refined, we commit to quality spiritual formation programs that reach all ages with specific attention to children, youth, and the families. We are also committed to a program which involves the gifts, expertise, and ideas of many people and keeping the faith and curiosity of all members burning brightly! To accomplish this, please respond thoughtfully to this survey by clicking the link, or copying and pasting it into your browser. Printed copies will be available as well. Your input is important and will be used along with the Renewal Works data to plan excellent programming into the next year: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/XSG2WX8
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ECC!
The sun is out and registration is open for Episcopal Conference Center programming and summer camps. Please visit the link to check out their offerings.
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Tuck Fund Scholarship Deadline is 7/31/18. Please see Kim in the Parish Office to pick up an application or drop one off.
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Prepare Yourself for Worship...
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This week's Collect
Keep, O Lord, your household the Church in your steadfast faith and love, that through your grace we may proclaim your truth with boldness, and minister your justice with compassion; for the sake of our Savior Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Link to This Week's Reading
Looking to enhance your knowledge of the bible and your experience of worship?
Believe it or not, there is an easy way to do both! The lectionary is the book that contains the Sunday readings. There are three year-long cycles of readings: A, B, and C. If you come to church each Sunday for three years, you will hear almost the entire bible. To find the readings, all you need to do is click on the link below! Reading and praying through these sacred texts before coming to church could be a game changer for your alertness in worship and your biblical knowledge.
Here's the link:
lectionary
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Deanery Regatta - PUT IT ON YOUR CALENDAR!
It's June 29th at 4:00 pm
Held at Sail Newport (Fort Adams). There are 12 reserved J-22s, and there will be a "Set Boat" and a "Committee Boat" as well for those who want to help but don't wish to compete. No experience needed, but those who wish to captain a boat will have to checked out ahead of time by the Sail Newport folks. Each boat needs a crew of 3 or 4 people, and it is lots of fun! If you'd like more details, please contact Jeff Poole at [email protected]. There is also a cook-out picnic dinner to follow, with St. Columba's supplying the grill, the hotdogs and hamburgers. Let's fill the boats, and look forward to a great time of sailing and fellowship with our local Episcopalians and friends!
SMC would like to get together a crew for this deanery regatta. Mark your calendars!
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Come Experience Celtic Spirituality...
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Come experience Celtic Spirituality with John Philip Newell
Saturday, July 7: 3 p.m.,
St. Thomas, Greenville, with worship at 5:30 p.m. -or- Sunday, July 8: 2:30 p.m., Emmanuel, Newport, with worship at 5 p.m.
Listening for the Heartbeat of God: a Celtic Spirituality
Join us for this unique and delightful opportunity to experience the wonderful teachings of John Philip Newell.
One of the most cherished images in the Celtic world is the memory of John the Beloved Disciple leaning against Jesus at the Last Supper. It was said of him that he therefore heard the heartbeat of God. He became a symbol of the practice of listening, listening for the beat of the sacred deep within ourselves, within one another, and within the body of the earth. This is the Christianity that emerged in the Celtic world in the earliest centuries. And it is a stream of Christian wisdom that is flowing again. It moves us to be aware of the sacred at the heart of every moment and it calls us back into true relationship with the earth, with one another, and with what is deepest in ourselves, all made of God. This is a vision that we need in our lives and world, urgently.
The ticket price for this event is $13, and registration information is below. Books and CDs will be available for purchase (by check or cash only, please), and the events will include an opportunity for the books and CDs to be signed by John Philip Newell.
This program is being offered twice.
The first event will be at St. Thomas Church in Greenville on Saturday, July 7, with the program at 3 p.m. followed by a Celtic worship service at 5:30 p.m. For tickets to the event at St. Thomas please
Click Here.
The second offering of this same program will be at Emmanuel Church in Newport on Sunday, July 8, at 2:30 p.m., followed by a Celtic worship service at 5 p.m. For tickets to the Newport event, please
Click Here.
This event is sponsored by Emmanuel, Newport, and St. Thomas, Greenville, and supported by a grant from the diocese's Congregational Development Commission.
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Engaging and entertaining Christian Music...
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Serving this week in worship...
Altar Guild
Lauren Lema, Stacy Mello
Saturday at 5pm
Lector: Allison Martin
Lay Eucharistic Minister: Bob Vergnani
Greeter: Jean & Andre Wilson/Leveque
Sunday at 8 am
Crucifer: Jennie Nestlerode
Lector: Sue Hall
Intercessor: Marshall Lundberg
Lay Eucharistic Minister: Hugh Hall
Greeter
: Ann Gizzi
Sunday at 10am
Crucifer:
Acolytes: Mia Bartlett, Andrew Silveria
Lectors: David Spengler, Rene Bierman
Intercessor: David Spengler
Lay Eucharistic Minister: Michelle Freitas
Greeter: Sarah Freitas, Rayna Lombardo
Coffee Hour Host
Kari Reardon, Ruth Siebens
The Counters
Counter: Connie Dealy
Pledge Clerk: David Brierley
Your Vestry...
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Jennifer will be on vacation from June 13th-19th. She will be traveling in the middle Atlantic states visiting colleges with Bella. If you need immediate pastoral care please dial her extension, 846-9700 extension 103 and you will get the phone number of the priest on call.
Gabe will be on vacation from June 13th-21st.
Get in touch with the Staff
The parish house is open Sunday 7 am to 12 pm; closed on Monday, Tuesday through Friday, 9 am to 3 pm; and by special arrangement with the Parish Administrator, Kim Bakoledis (
[email protected]).
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