NEWS FROM ST. MARY'S

A community of Christian worship, well-being and service.

A Perfect Summer Day...
Dear Friends, 

The Midsummer Island retreat has come and gone leaving many of us with great memories as well as some new friends. By almost any measure it was a fantastic event - great music by Fran McKendree, lots of games and kids running around, excellent face painting, beautiful singing and worship on the bridal path, many guests throughout the afternoon and evening, mindful movement, wonderful food and fellowship, interesting tours of our historic church and church yard and a campfire with storytelling to finish out a perfect summer day.

Thank you to all who participated. It was a ministry in which so many people were involved that everyone had a chance to relax and enjoy the day. From tour guides to face painters and everyone in between, thank you!

I wish to offer special thanks and kudos to a few people who worked for months to offer this ministry. 

Kim Bakoledis, our parish administrator was a key leader in keeping all the planners organized and informed of next steps and needs. On the days leading up to the event Kim's gifts for hospitality, communication and attention to detail were amazing. She also brightened the event with her joyful presence. Thank you Kim, for going above and beyond in this ministry.

Gabe Giella was a constant visionary in our planning and in the creative and spiritual aspects of our day. Gabe created our logo, the map, and all the location signs for the day. He also helped with worship, decorating, providing promotional materials and offering the guided meditation after dinner. His vision for sharing the beauty of St. Mary's and God's gracious welcome was, as always a gift to many.
Jon Walker our sexton was involved in every aspect of set up, clean up, sound systems, and keeping our campus safe and hospitable. He gave generously of his time and attention, supporting all aspects of the day. Thanks to Jon we also got a huge donation of ice and water.

Shelley Dungan was on the planning team from the start and offered great ministry in gathering presenters and summoning guests. Shelley was instrumental in keeping the planning team in communication. Her vision for collaboration brought the various organizations to the table in a spirit of community. Shelley also covered the event in prayer, asking that God would bless all who came together in fellowship.

Marlo Pratt was on the planning team from the start and steadily, joyfully guided us toward the event and through the day. Marlo organized all the food for the potluck as well as the team of helpers. She was also incredibly skillful in contacting vendors and getting best prices. Marlo made feeding 100 + seem easy. Thanks to all who brought food and helped in this feast.

We thank our partners in collaboration: the staff of the Newport County YMCA and Martin Beck of Clover Bud Ranch.

Gratefully, Jennifer+

Midsummer Island Retreat...
   
More pictures will be on our website soon.

Left: Welcome Announcement from Jennifer with Shannon from the YMCA and Shelley from The Sacred Center. 
Right: Isaac from St. Mary's :) Isaac was a GREAT helper getting the event set up!

Music Activity with Fran McKendree


A beautiful worship service on the bridal path




Bonfire and storytelling! 


Does Anyone Know?
At the Midsummer Island Retreat, our historic tour guides were posed with questions about the origins of two important pieces of the church: the bridal doors and the baptismal font. If anyone is aware of the origins of either of these items, please see Susan Kelchner or Marilyn Curtis. Thank you!


Please be sure to collect cooler bags and reusable bags left in the kitchen as well as dishes/containers on the counter and in the refrigerator. Thank you!



Christian Formation...



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.

New Saturday Evening Contemplative Practice Offered
Beginning July 14th at 4PM, a contemplative prayer and scripture study will be held in the chapel. For the summer, new member Audrey Bennett will lead us through s special method of praying with scripture and learning contemplative prayer practices. This weekly offering is a perfect prelude to our contemplative service and will open new doors of prayer and discovery for anyone looking to go deeper in their life of faith. Please join us in the historic church.

Tuck Scholarship Fund...



Tuck Fund Scholarship Deadline is 7/31/18. Please see Kim in the Parish Office to pick up an application or drop one off.

Any questions, email Linda Drummond at  [email protected]


Prepare Yourself for Worship...

This week's Collect
O Lord, mercifully receive the prayers of your people who call upon you, and grant that they may know and understand what things they ought to do, and also may have grace and power faithfully to accomplish them; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.


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. 

Rest & Return...
Island Event...

The Annual Pops Concert by the American Band
 will take place at the Glen Manor House on Thursday, July 12th at 6:30pm.  
This FREE concert will take place rain or shine.  
Guests are encouraged to bring chairs and a picnic to enjoy this fine band!


Serving this week in worship...

Altar Guild
Lauren Lema, Stacy Mello
 
Saturday at 5pm
Lector: Jennifer Vergnani
Lay Eucharistic Minister: Bob Vergnani
Greeter:

Sunday at 8am
Crucifer: Jennie Nestlerode
Lector: Sue Hall
Intercessor: Cindy Dube
Lay Eucharistic Minister: Carol Brierley 
Greeter: David Spengler

Sunday at 10am
Crucifer: Paul Westrom
Acolytes:  Sarah Freitas, Leigh Westrom
Lectors:  Michelle Freitas, Kathryn Stamoulis
Intercessor:  Rene Bierman
Lay Eucharistic Minister: 
Greeters:  Pauline Davis, Chris Winslow

Coffee Hour Host
Peter Collins, Bob Hurley

The Counters
Counter: Connie Dealy
Pledge Clerk: David Brierley


Your Vestry...

Sr. Warden: Murry Edwards: [email protected]
Jr. Warden: Paul Westrom: [email protected]
Treasurer: Chris Bartlett:  [email protected]
Clerk: Mattie Gustafson:  [email protected]
Member: Chris Barker:  [email protected]
Member: David Brierley:  [email protected]
Member: Peter Collins:  [email protected]
Member: Trish Culver:  [email protected]
Member: Dave Ferkinhoff:  [email protected]
Member: Jenny Williams:  [email protected]
Member: Julie Zecher:  [email protected]

Staff News...
 
Get in touch with the Staff
 
Parish Administrator: [email protected]
Music Director: [email protected]
Director of Christian Formation: [email protected]
Pastoral Musician: [email protected]
 
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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