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A community of Christian worship, well-being and service
Social Distancing ~ Spiritually Connecting
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The week of September 20 - 25
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Jesus said, the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner
who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard.
Mt. 20:1-6
Dear friends,
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Last night our nation began to grieve the death of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg. Chief Justice John Roberts remembered her with these words, "Our Nation has lost a jurist of historic stature. We at the Supreme Court have lost a cherished colleague. Today we mourn, but with confidence that future generations will remember Ruth Bader Ginsburg as we knew her -- a tireless and resolute champion of justice."
In her own words at an event in 2011 she said, "I would just like people to think of me as a judge who did the best she could with whatever limited talent I had, to keep our country true to what makes it a great nation and to make things a little better than they might have been if I hadn't been there."
This is a modest statement for someone who became known in poplular culture as the Notorious RBG. She was known for her brilliant ability to fight for equal rights for all people. She often showed how a law or practice that discriminates against some categories of people is actually harmful to all people. She broadened perspectives to promote justice in America.
This week as we gather for worship, we will hear a challenging Gospel story, one that on the surface seems incredibly unfair and unjust. We will reflect on it in the spirit of Jesus, who often turned reality as we perceive it on its head to illustrate the kingdom of God. We will see that God's way of justice is far more gracious than anything we could ever imagine. We will be invited to remember the gift of being called into service by a generous and loving God.
May we, like RBG use these precious lives we have been given to make things a little better for others. God knows, as do we, that this is a time when our country sorely needs it.
Faithfully,
Jennifer+
Gratitude
Thank you to St. Mary's staff and all members who kept everything going so beautifully and smoothly while I was away on vacation. A special thank you to Michael Templeton for leading worship and to The Rev. Laura Palmer for preaching on September 6. To Marlo Pratt for coordinating worship. To Bishop Knisely for his visit on the 13th. To staff members Karen Laroche and Jon Walker who always keep so much moving forward in service. To our Sr. Warden, Murry Edwards who fielded all pastoral and administrative matters of urgency. I am very grateful to have had the time away, and to return to ministry in this blessed community. Jennifer+
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Blessing of the Animals - Sunday October 4 at 9 a.m. Worship  Join your commuity and bring your pets, four leggeds and those who fly as we remember St. Francis and celebrate the creation and creatures God has made.
Please crate cats, cage birds and keep dogs leashed. You may also bring stuffed animals and photos to be blessed. Social distancing and masks will be required and the blessings will include the sign of the cross on pets and people. Physical touch will not be a part of the blessing.
If there is inclement weather the blessing of animals will be cancelled.  Holy Baptism at Outdoor WorshipWe will have a baptism as a part of our outdoor worship service on Sunday, October 11. If you would like to arrange for Holy Baptism, please contact our rector, Jennifer. Please pray for Hudson Palakiko and his parents, Emma and Brian, as they prepare for his new life in Christ.
Worship this week at St. Mary's
Our weekly bulletins and the video worship services will be posted on our website by SundayMonday morning at 9 a.m.
The recording will be available at this site soon after worship has finished on Sunday morning.
The Collect for The Sixteenth Sunday After Pentecost
Grant us, Lord, not to be anxious about earthly things, but to love things heavenly; and even now, while we are placed among things that are passing away, to hold fast to those that shall endure; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Click here for the
Join us for outdoor worship, Every Sunday (weather permitting) 9 a.m.
Thank you for your feedback. We are listening and adjusting.
We have three seating areas: - On the lawn in socially distanced circles.
- In your car in the south parking lot where you may tune in to the service on your radio, FM 88.7.
- In the Sarah Gibbs Reserved Seating, On the lawn in front of Gibbs House. This is for those who do not wish to carry a chair, walk on the grass, or who just need a bit of extra space. Get on the reserved seating list by contacting Murry Edwards at [email protected] or ask someone in a blue vest when you arrive.
Things to know as we gather safely.
- Our welcome begins at 8:30 a.m. If you arrive before 8:30, please do not drive past the welcome table; remain in your car until you are checked in. We need to check in everyone.
- Restrooms are available on the lower level of the parish house. An attendant will sanitize after each use.
- In order to keep our fellowship alive, please call on the phone, make plans for socially distanced walks and gatherings.
 - Please wear a mask or face covering and remain six feet away from everyone except those in your household.
- If you click on the link in this week's bulletin you will find instructions as well as our diocesan covenant for regathering. Reading this information now will help you prepare.
- If the weather is not suitable, or you prefer not to gather in person, please stay home and watch the service on the St. Mary's Website. It will be posted by mid-day on Sunday.
Thank you to our Worship Coordinator, Marlo Pratt and the teams that make our outdoor worship possible.
Safety and Parking Team David Brierley, George LeBlanc, Steve Bakios, Lynn Carlson LeBlanc, Ray Edler, and Harry Gustafson
Welcome Team  Murry Edwards, Judy and Bill Hall, Lee Ferriera, David Spengler, Jennie Nestlerode, Tara and Gretchen Alaniz.
Worship Team: The Rev. Jennifer Pedrick, Michael Templeton, The Rev. Laura Palmer, Sheila Benevides, Lydia DeAngelo, Julie Zecher, Paul Westrom.
Flowers: Debby Timby
Set up/Break Down:
Jon Walker and Matt Spohn
Production Team:
David Brierley, Hailey Pratt, Bella DeAngelo, Rose Muller, Murry Edwards, Mattie Gustafson, Carol Brierley.
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Well-being
Do you need groceries, errands or help with something else?
 If you need anything please contact the head of our Pastoral Care Team, Pauline Davis. There are many people who can help. Her email address is hereYou may also phone her at 401-871-1453,
but she would prefer an email if you are able.
Ministries Returning to St. Mary's Campus
We invite you to return to St. Mary's grounds with your ministry group for a meeting or for ministry. At this time our buildings remain closed, but we have beautiful space for you to gather outdoors. If you would like to schedule a one time or recurring meeting or ministry, please contact Karen Laroche, our parish administrator to learn about the process and get on the calendar.
Sacred Ground Anti-Racism Study Group
We have resumed the Sacred Ground Anti-racism Study Group. For those of you who are not familiar with this program, it is a 10 session study group created by the Episcopal Church and built around documentary films and readings that explore race, racism and the latest thinking by scholars on the topic of racial healing. Our group completed the first 5 sessions in the spring before Covid-19 caused us to pause. So much has happened since March, including a renewed national focus on the issue of racism in America. This renewed interest has convinced me that it is important to open the study groups to more participants this fall and to make a few changes to the program delivery.
We will be meeting over Zoom on Tuesday evenings from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m on the following dates: 9/29, 10/6, 10/20, and 11/3. There are readings and films to watch prior to each meeting with a time commitment of approximately 90 minutes per session. Although we will begin with session 6 of the curriculum, new participants will be given a link that allows them to explore the initial sessions at their leisure and, if there is enough interest, I may schedule a one time session to help new participants get up to speed.
If you are interested in joining us in this important program, please email me at [email protected] I look forward to having some wonderful conversations this fall on this critical aspect of our national life. Sincerely, Lynn Carlson
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Thank you to all our members and friends who have continued to contribute financially in support of the ministry of St. Mary's. Your generosity makes all the difference as we continue to share the love of God in Christ during this pandemic.
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.
- As we re-gather on the lawn and from our cars for worship, there will be big, blue buckets at the welcome station, as well as around our property. They are marked offering and you can give in the buckets.
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+ |
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St. Mary's Leadership and Staff
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VESTRY OFFICERS:
Sr. Warden: Murry Edwards: [email protected]
STAFF:
Our buildings are currently closed due to the Covid - 19 pandemic. Our grounds, churchyard and outdoor labyrinth are open for walking and prayer - sun up to sundown. |
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IMAGE CREDITS ~ Outdoor Worship: Raymond Edler and Murry Edwards
Sarah Gibbs with Mask: Murry Edwards Watercolor: Richard Grosvenor.
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