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A community of Christian worship, well-being and service
Social Distancing ~
Spiritually Connecting
Holiday Weekend
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The weekend of July 4 - July 5
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| A Message from the Rector |
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Dear Friends,
Last Sunday we re-gathered for worship on our South lawn. It was both poignant and wonderful to be together, a tender moment to celebrate and thank God for our community and to remember all that has changed and been lost. I remain incredibly grateful to all those whose ministry is making our re-gathering possible, especially the staff, the Moving Forward Task Force, the team members and everyone who came to participate.
The Moving Forward Task Force has suggested some improvements we need to make in terms of safety. You will notice a few updates in the space this week.
In addition here are a few reminders for everyone:
- 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.
- Per the governor's orders, we will need to do a quick symptom check before you enter the property. This will happen at the welcome table.
- Please do not sit with, or drive to church with anyone other than those who live in your household or family members.
- Please do not approach other members within 6 feet or try to touch other people. This is the most friendly thing you can do, keep your distance.
- As difficult as it is, we are asking everyone to avoid socializing before and after worship. You may greet one another from a distance of six feet. Waves and quick conversations are best. Call on the phone, make a plan for a socially distanced walk or gathering later.
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 Please wear a mask or face covering.
- We have a limited amount of reserved seating for those who are most vulnerable, who have trouble walking on the grass, or who may be immunocompromised. Please ask a Parking and Safety or Welcome Team member to assist you to this area.
- There will be one way into and out of the lawn seating. Circles will be dismissed by number, one at a time, at the end of the service. Please remain in your seat until you are called upon to depart.
- If you click on the link in this week's bulletin you will see abundant 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-morning on Sunday.
This is a completely new experience, and as such there will surely be ways to improve it. We look forward to hearing your suggestions.
Faithfully, Jennifer+
A personal note and
a welcome to guest preacher,
The Rev. Meaghan Brower
A member of my household was not well this week and given the symptoms, we were awaiting the Covid-19 test results before I could commit to leading worship. Thankfully, our friend the Rev. Meaghan Brower prepared to lead worship at St. Mary's and thankfully, my family found out late today that we are all Covid-19 free. Meaghan will still preach, for which we will all give thanks. I will see you on Sunday. Jennifer+
We will not gather for coffee hour as we begin the new
Sunday morning experience.
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From the Book of Common Prayer: Two Collects for our National Life
Lord God Almighty, you have made all the peoples of the
earth for your glory, to serve you in freedom and in peace:
Give to the people of our country a zeal for justice and the
strength of forbearance, that we may use our liberty in
accordance with your gracious will; through Jesus Christ our
Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one
God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Almighty God, who hast created us in thine own image:
Grant us grace fearlessly to contend against evil and to make
no peace with oppression; and, that we may reverently use
our freedom, help us to employ it in the maintenance of
justice in our communities and among the nations, to the
glory of thy holy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who
liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God,
now and for ever. Amen.
The Fourth Sunday After Pentecost
Our weekly bulletins and the video worship services are posted on our website.
The Collect for The Fifth Sunday After Pentecost
O God, you have taught us to keep all your commandments by loving you and our neighbor: Grant us the grace of your Holy Spirit, that we may be devoted to you with our whole heart, and united to one another with pure affection; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Old Testament
Join us for
outdoor worship, Every Sunday
(weather permitting) 9 a.m.
Thank you to our Worship Coordinator, Marlo Pratt and the teams that are making this worship possible:
Safety and Parking Team
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David Brierley, George LeBlanc, Steve Bakios, Jennie Nestlerode, Lynn Carlson LeBlanc, Harry Gustafson
Welcome Team
Murry Edwards, Judy and Bill Hall, Rose Muller, Lee Ferriera, David Spengler
Worship Team
The Rev. Jennifer Pedrick, Michael Templeton, The Rev. Laura Palmer, Sheila Benevides, Lydia DeAngelo
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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
here
You may also phone her at 401-363-1475,
but she would prefer an email if you are able.
Adeline Tuck Scholarship Fund
St. Mary's college students -- both undergraduate and graduate -- are eligible for a $2000 scholarship from the Adeline Tuck Fund. Students who
are members or whose parents are members of St. Mary's
are eligible for this scholarship. Applications for the scholarships are being accepted until July 31. Awards will be made in early August. To apply, students need to complete the online application. For questions, please contact Murry Edwards, the senior warden at [email protected]
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Soup Kitchen in the Age of COVID-19 - July 2020
In some ways it doesn't seem possible that it is once again time for soup
 kitchen and in other ways the days drag on and it seems like forever. We will once again be serving a bagged meal. Hopefully someday we will be able to safely return to serving a hot meal to the many people that look forward to it each month.
This month we primarily need a handful of volunteer workers because all of our needed supplies have been paid for by a gift from the Newport Kiwanis Club.
- We need two volunteers to meet at St Mary's on the morning of soup kitchen (July 9) to prepare the bagged meals. These volunteers should not be over the age of 70.
- Next, we will need two or three people to pick up the bagged meals and deliver them to St Paul's, arriving at St Paul's between 4:30 and 5:00 PM, and serving meals until either you run out or 6:00 PM.
- If the weather is nice we can set up a card table in front of the door that people normally enter through and if it is rainy we can utilize St Paul's garage which is located in the parking lot between St Paul's and White Horse Tavern. These volunteers should preferably under the age of 60 but absolutely no older than 65.
Please send me email ASAP if you are willing and able to volunteer. The one thing that the Kiwanis Club is not supplying is the meatloaves. We have some left over from last month so we probably need 5 or 6 additional.
Please let me know if you will be making a meatloaf and I will make arrangements for when you can drop it off at the parish house. If you have any questions you can contact me at
[email protected] or you can call me at 401-862-9634.
Blessings for all that you do and stay safe! David Brierley St Mary's Soup Kitchen Coordinator.
Calling for Bell Ringers
For the past couple of months a small group of volunteers have been going to the church every day at 12:00 noon and ringing the church bells. Visitors to the grounds and people that live nearby have greatly enjoyed this. Plus, we have been filming the bell ringing and posting them on the St Mary's Facebook page for all to enjoy. In order to not wear out these volunteers, we are looking for a new set of volunteers for July and August.
Ringing the bell is very easy, you simply unhitch the rope from the cleat next to the bridal door, pull on the rope until the bell starts ringing, let it ring for approximately twelve rings, and then reattach the rope to the cleat. Each volunteer has an assigned day of the week to ring the bells. If you are willing to help out with this ministry please contact David Brierley at [email protected].
Thank you for your giving! You are making a difference.
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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 ~ Cross and Kite: Raymond Edler
Sarah Gibbs with Mask: Murry Edwards
Watercolor: Richard Grosvenor.
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