Dear friends and members,

Last Sunday at coffee hour we had a conversation about the sound of the St. Mary's bell as it rings out over the center of our island home. We are tolling it mid-day on Saturdays as we film worship. It turns out that people can hear the St. Mary's bell from miles away, depending upon how the wind is blowing. 

It was interesting how much the sound of the bell means to people, whether in real time or on video. There is something very grounding about the ritual. Some spoke of the bell inviting them to stop what they were doing and to pray.  Debby Timby, whose beautiful garden is pictured here, said that hearing the church bell reminded her of a beloved French painting called The Angelus.  

Perhaps in this season when so much of our ritual experience of faith has  paused, the ringing of the bell has taken on greater meaning.  If we have enough people for each day, we would like to begin a new ministry of tolling the St. Mary's bell each day at noon. 

If you are able to hear the bell, let it remind you of God's indwelling presence, wherever you are. Take a moment to offer a prayer of thanks, or intercession, or simply acknowledge that God is dwelling with you.  

As we are staying spiritually connected in this time of social distancing, the ringing of the bell can be one more way that we connect from home. 

If you would like to be a part of this ministry and can come to toll the bell once a week at noon (wearing gloves and face covering) please be in touch with David Brierley here, and he will give you instructions. 

Have a blessed week, 

Jennifer+

Go ahead and  Click this link to join the meeting.  It will get you set up to use Zoom if you need to download the application. 

Topic: Coffee Hour
Time: May 10, 2020 11:00 AM 

Alternatively, you can go to the Zoom website, and use this information to download the app and login to our coffee hour. 

Meeting ID: 899 0783 2699
Password: 063796

You can also dial in by phone:
+1 929 205 6099 

Here is a great video to get you started and feeling more comfortable. Joining a Zoom Call for the first time.

Then on Sunday at 11 a.m., use the link above that says "click this link to join the meeting." See you on Sunday!  Jennifer+

The Collect for the Fifth Week of Easter

At this time we cannot serve a sit-down meal so for the second month in a row we will be preparing a bagged meal to hand out. 

• Two people to prepare the bagged meals on Thursday early afternoon at St Mary's and
• Two people to bring the bagged meals to St Paul's Church in Newport later on Thursday and pass them out.  
• Social Distancing and face covering required for all. We can provide you with a cloth mask.

 

We also need donations of food  

• Ten meatloaves 

• Dessert items for sixty people, cupcakes, cookies, brownies, etc. 

If you are able to help out in any way please contact David Brierley at [email protected]. Please contact David before making anything or donating so that we have the correct amount. 

 

Thank you for all who continue to feed the hungry in this challenging time. 

Here are ways people are giving:

• On our our web page you can  Give Online. 
• Mail in pledge payments or financial gifts to St. Mary's Church, 324 E. Main Rd., Portsmouth, RI 02871.
• Set up online bill pay through your bank.

Given the economic realities, we are sensitive to the potential financial changes our members may encounter. If, for any reason, you are not able to maintain your pledge, please contact the rector. This will enable us to adjust our income projections so that we can be good stewards of our resources. 

If you find yourself in financial need, please contact the rector. St. Mary's has a discretionary fund, which is used by the rector to offer support for the needs of our members. Members contribute to this fund anonymously, and members may receive support confidentially. 

Again, thank you for your generosity and commitment. Jennifer+