Staying Connected as a Faith Community
An excerpt from the prayer team's new guiding prayer:

A PRAYER TO GUIDE US DURING THIS TIME OF UNCERTAINTY 
                                                      
Heavenly Father: We know that you are forever faithful! This brings us comfort and calm in this time of uncertainty. Let us be mindful of our own self-care knowing how our lives can affect all those around us, as well as ourselves....Amen

UPDATE: Per recommendations from the CDC to not gather in groups of 50 or more for the next 6 - 8 weeks, we must share that St. Mary's will be closed at least through Easter, April 12th. During tonights vestry meeting we discussed options for Holy Week and Easter services. We will share details as we finalize plans.



Following the new guidelines of the closure of all non essential businesses, Sandy will only be in the office twice a week to deposit pledges and complete the billing. She is available by email at sandy@stmarysct.org

Ann can be reached at (304) 951-7122 or email revalovejoy@gmail.com.

The wardens can be contacted by email Mechelle OlÓrtegui at mechelle.tovar2011@gmail.com or Sarah Tierinni at sarah.i.brown23@gmail.com.



Reflection from Rev. Ann

Gracious God, we give you thanks for the gift of life and for the community of St Mary’s. We pray for people everywhere, especially for the sick and those who care for them, for those who have died and all who grieve. Watch over those who work while we are safely home. Guard our families and loved ones. Calm our fears and grant us gentleness with ourselves in our time of need. Help us to rely on you, who with Jesus Christ, and the power of the Holy Spirit remains with us now and always. Amen.

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We are offering Compline by Zoom (a web-based video conferencing tool) at 7:30 PM this Friday, March 27th- Mark your calendars and more info will be shared in Friday's newsletter.










The Right Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde gave a wonderful sermon from Washington National Cathedral this past Sunday. It was comforting and uplifting!

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Please continue, as you are able, to send in offerings to the church office. They will be counted and deposited weekly to keep our operations going and our financial commitments strong. You may mail envelopes to the office or drop in the secure mailbox outside the office.

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A special thank you to our sexton, Robert Lauglin for completing a deep clean of the office last week! We are deeply appreciative of his efforts to help keep us all healthy. He will move on to the church buildings this week.

TAKING CARE OF YOURSELF & OTHERS


Here is an article shared by Ann Add Self Care to Your Wellness Routine  

A moment of music with Bill Ludwig Manchester's Town Troubadour : March 23, 2020, Bill crossed busy traffic with all his gear and sang a couple of tunes via live stream as a way to say good morning to this wonderful town

We are holding off on our delivery of Undie Sunday and Wall out Hunger items until Holy Week. We will give specifics at that time.




Check your email on Friday, March 27th for another e-newsletter with specifics about Sunday, March 29th worship opportunitie s



A prayer for those who feel isolated from others.
O God, look upon me with your love, for I feel so alone. I fear tomorrow and do not know what the future holds. Yet you have promised to be my friend and guide. Come to me now by your Spirit and embrace me amid my sense of isolation. In this time of special need, grant me a new awareness of the community in Christ that holds me and a strong assurance of your love, through Jesus Christ my Lord.
Amen.