Our mission is to be a community of Christian
worship, well-being and service
The week of October 16 - October 21
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AEvery generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above...
James 1:17
ct and compelling headline
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Dear Friends,
This year our annual giving theme is Every Perfect Gift. We have heard from members Lee Ferriera and Rita Verespy about the gift of community here at St. Mary's. Both of them spoke of how they arrived and were welcomed at St. Mary's, and also about how the community shared ministry and encouraged them to use their particular gifts and skills here.
In my own spiritual journey with God and community, it is always gratitude that motivates me to give, especially when it comes to giving money. As I look at our community today, I am incredibly grateful for you, our members young and old, new and longstanding, and the ways that you have shown up in Christ for each other and for the wider world.
As we are approaching a new calendar year, and planning future ministry, I am grateful for the ways our community has not only been resilient, we have grown as we continue to worship, serve, and thrive. Next week we will welcome members who have joined our community during the pandemic. That we are able to welcome these people is a testament to your generosity and offering your gifts. Our members and friends have been creative and generous in adapting ministries, beginning new ones and continuing to give of their financial resources. God willing and with your support our church will enter the new year with strength.
Soon you will be receiving an annual giving letter from our stewardship commission. It will include a pledge card and an invitation to make a pledge for your financial giving for 2022. Your pledge is very important as the vestry and leaders plan the budget for next year. As you prayerfully consider your gift, I hope you will think about what gifts you have received as a member of St. Mary's. Think about where we have been, what God has accomplished through our community, and where we are called to grow our ministry. As we continue our forward movement, regardless of changes and challenges, I hope you will make a commitment of your presence in community, take seriously God's call to participate, and offer a financial gift that reflects your gratitude and hope in our future ministry.
Faithfully, Jennifer
Upcoming November Changes Reminder
Sunday Schedule beginning November 7
- 9 a.m. Service of Holy Eucharist in St. George's Chapel.
- 10 a.m. Coffee will be served (Thank you to new member Terry Viera who has offered to coordinate sign ups for coffee.)
- 10:15 Adult Bible Study in St. George's Chapel. Leader: Karen Laroche
Safety and Community Care
- All participants over the age of 2 are required to wear a mask indoors during worship, fellowship and programs.
- Masks can be removed while eating or drinking, as a reader, teacher, soloist, or preacher/presider - distance maintained.
- Seating will be spaced and flexible for social distancing between households.
- Reserved seating is available.
- We encourage all members and guests to get the COVID - 19 vaccine and boosters as available and needed.
- Please stay home if you do not feel well or have any known exposure to someone who is sick.
- We will offer all worship, meetings and programs online as well as in person.
- Our HVAC system and filters are highly effective and we will keep windows open for optimal ventilation.
- We will no longer offer drive through Holy Communion. If you would like communion at home, please contact me and I will arrange for this.
Reminder:
Coffee and Conversation following worship on Sunday, 10/31.
Here is a chance to ask questions, offer suggestions, and meet new friends. October worship will remain at 10 a.m. outdoors, weather permitting.
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Sunday, October 24: Welcome Sunday - we celebrate our new members!
Saturday, October 30: Trunk or Treat - we host kids in a halloween tradition
Sunday, October 31: Coffee & Conversation - What's next for our community?
Sunday, November 7: All Saints Sunday - remembrance of saints, Baptism
Sunday, November 14: Pledge Ingathering - thanksgiving for financial gifts
Sunday, November 14: Fall Cleanup - hot cider, donuts and some projects
Worship
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Collect For The Week
Almighty and everlasting God, in Christ you have revealed your glory among the nations: Preserve the works of your mercy, that your Church throughout the world may persevere with steadfast faith in the confession of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
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Twenty-first Sunday After Pentecost
Oct. 17, 10 a.m.
Weather permitting we will worship outdoors.
On Sundays with inclement weather worship will be held in St. George's Chapel. We are no longer offering drive through Holy Communion.
Sunday Worship Links
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This Week's Leaders:
Welcome Team
Christine Cotsoridis.& Elise LaParle Gracia
Eucharistic Minister
Steve Downing
Lector/ Intercessor
David Breirley
Altar Guild
Joanne Gracia & Jennie Nesterode
Livestream Videographer:
Marlo Pratt
Audio
Jerry Culver & David Brierley
Musicians
Michael Templeton,
Choir
Preacher
The Rev. Meaghan Brower
Celebrant
The Rev. Jennifer Pedrick+
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"But Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. . ." MK 10
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All Saints Remembered
If you would like to include names of loved ones to be read aloud in remembrance on All Saints Day, November 7, please send the name/s to our parish administrator,
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Daily Evening Prayer on Facebook live
Lay leaders are praying the evening office at 5:30 p.m. daily online via Facebook Live. You do not need to have Facebook in order to participate in these daily prayers. If you can not make it at 5:30, the service will be recorded and remain on the St. Mary's Facebook page.
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Seeking Baptism?
If you are interested in preparing for baptism, please contact Jennifer and she will help you to plan.
The next date for Holy Baptism is All Saints Sunday, November 7.
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If you would like to add someone to the prayers of the people, to be included in the Sunday morning prayers and in the daily evening prayers, please contact Parish Administrator, Karen Laroche. We typically keep people in the prayers for one month.
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SUNDAYS
Beginning Sunday, November 7th
Following the 9:00 am Service
In St. George’s Chapel
Jesus and the Sermon on the Mount
Instructor: Karen Laroche
Please sign up with Karen
Phone: 846-9700 x100
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Copies of the new Forward Day by Day devotional are available. People can request at the welcome table or call the office to schedule a pick-up time. Thank you. Karen@smcportsmouth.org
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LISTEN ON HIGH
"Lord Of The Dance" with sub-title Lyrics, beautifully performed by the Heath Mount School Choir.
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To share your special piece, simply send the music's title or YouTube link to rayjedler@gmail.com.
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DEA National Drug Take Back Day
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A note from the organizers of this effort to collect unused medications.
The Tiverton Prevention Coalition and the Tiverton Police Department are partnering with the DEA for National Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, October 23rd from 10am-2pm at the Tiverton Police Station located at 20 Industrial Way Tiverton, RI. All medications must be emptied into a clear Ziploc type bag. Please recycle the plastic bottle at home. No needles or liquids are accepted. Volunteers will be in the parking lot so no need to get out of your car. No residency restrictions.
Remember that the TPD has a drop box in their lobby accessible 24/7 to safely dispose of unwanted medications at any time.
The DEA’s Take Back Day events provide a safe, convenient, and anonymous means of disposing of unwanted medications.
Please help us get the word out about this important event.
With Gratitude,
Kelly Levesque
Tiverton Prevention Coalition
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HeadDo you need a Name tag?re |
"You wanna be where everybody knows your name". So went the jingle of one very popular sitcom.
As we return to indoor worship in November we will be ordering name tags for anyone who is need of one. Please let our Parish Administrator, Karen Laroche, know by Friday October 22. If you need one call her at 401-846-9700 x100, or email her at
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St. Mary’s is hosting a Drive-Thru Trick-or-Treat
on Saturday, October 30th!
To make this event a true success, we need at least 10
members to decorate a parking spot. This event will be for
the kids and families of our community. Your parking spot
can be decorated as simple or elaborate as you wish. We
are also seeking candy donations. You can drop off bagged
candy at the welcome table when you come to Church on
Sunday or at the office during business hours.
If you are able to decorate a parking spot please contact Lori
the details you will need at that time.
This promises to be a fun community event for all, but
especially the kids! Please be a part of the…
St. Mary’s Greatest Drive-Thru
Trick-or-Treat Experience.
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Do you need groceries, errands or help with something else?
Contact the head of our Pastoral Care Team, Pauline Davis. There are many people who can help. Her email address is here. You may also phone her at 401-871-1453, but she would prefer an email if you are able.
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Updated CDC Covid Guidelines |
Getting Third Dose Booster Vaccine In RI Update
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The Christmas Giving Tree
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The Christmas Giving Tree is one of St. Mary’s signature community outreach programs. This year, especially during the pandemic, we realize there are families struggling, and will we seek to bring the spirit of Christmas to them by providing gifts for their children. The Christmas Giving Tree recipients will again be the children from the Dr. Martin Luther King Community Center, Newport http://www.mlkccenter.org We will be conducting a toy and gift card drive at St. Mary's starting November 7th. I hope the response from our community will be as overwhelming as it has been in the past. The deadline to donate toys and gift cards is November 28th. We will have a basket at the Welcome Table starting November 7th for collecting items. Attached at bottom is a Toy List from the MLK Center if you are looking for ideas.
I thank you in advance for your love and generosity. If you have any questions, please reach out to me at 401-924-4252 or at woofer64@yahoo.com.
With Gratitude,
Judy Hall
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Soup Kitchen Update
Hello fellow Soup Kitchen volunteers. Just a note that we will still be doing takeout sandwiches as St. Paul’s is not allowing use of their building to outside groups. I’ll let you know when St Paul’s opens as
soon as I hear. Just so everyone is aware, we do not have need for any meatloaf or deserts this month as they were made during the day of service so please don’t leave any in the parish house. There is an over abundance stored up this month. If you have any other thoughts or concerns, or would like to be put on the volunteer list so you get notifications, please email me at SK@smcportsmouth.org
Peace and Love for all you do!
Dave Ferkinhoff
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MLK Food Collections
Results and Looking Forward Announcement
Thanks to the generous food donations left at our services and at the Parish House, St. Mary's has contributed 914 pounds of nourishing food and sundries to the Martin Luther King Center Food Pantry from January through May of this year. Donations for May increased by a third over those the previous month! Please continue to bring non-perishable foods to donate as you come for Sunday worship, or leave them in the baskets in the entry to the Parish House. Salt-free or low salt canned goods are especially needed, but all foods are both much needed and welcome! A team of St. Mary's member volunteers continues to make weekly deliveries of donations collected to the food pantry.
Thank you for all your generous contributions.
Jonathan Edwards
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Communication & Other Announcements
If you lead a ministry and wish to share information, please send the content (which should include relevant information, time, date, place, and contact person with email) to:
The Rector if you'd like it verbally announced at worship,
the weekly worship bulletin
Your copy should address 3 key questions: Who am I writing for? (Audience) Why should they care? (Benefit) What do I want them to do here? (Call-to-Action) If you have a photo or image that is always welcome.
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St. Mary's Leadership and Staff |
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Watercolor: Richard Grosvenor. |
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