A Christian community of all ages

grounded in worship, well-being, and service.

April 20 - April 26, 2024

From the Rector

Dear Friends,

We have so many beautiful images and words in our Christian tradition. One of my favorites is Jesus, the Good Shepherd. The next time you are in the historic church, I invite you to sit for a minute with the Good Shepherd window. It is an image that speaks to us at a soul level. It reminds us of the ever present, tender protection that Jesus offers to all his sheep.

We begin the fourth week of Eastertide, as always, celebrating Good Shepherd Sunday. In the gospel we hear Jesus' say, "I know my own, and my own know me." It is a powerful phrase that reminds me of the words of the baptism service. Just as the newly baptized is anointed with holy oil we hear, "you are sealed by the Holy Spirit in baptism, and marked as Christ's own forever."

The images and words of Good Shepherd weekend remind us of God's power to draw us in and hold us close. They also speak to us of the human need we all have to belong.

You may have noticed (or you may be one of) the people who have recently been drawn to worship at St. Mary's, this particular flock of Jesus followers. What a joy to have so many new faces/sheep gathering at the altar and at our fellowship events and programs.

We will be welcoming new members officially on the weekend of May 11 - 12.

Painting by Sieger Koder, used by permission

This time around we have a group of kids to welcome as members. Hooray!

We like to officially welcome our new members in our worship (either service) and we will have two dinner parties on Saturday evening 5/11 at 6:30. One for kids. pizza and movie in the parish house and one for adults at the rectory. As always, current members will help with hosting new members.

If you are a current member of any age and you would like to help with the shepherding and welcoming, or

If you would like to join St. Mary's and we haven't had a conversation about membership, please be in touch with me. Jennifer@smcportsmouth.org or 401-846-9700 X103

There are spiritual reasons we are welcoming new members. One of them is that the Good Shepherd is drawing them here and we are all sharing a felt experience of belonging.

Grateful to be a shepherd and a sheep, Jennifer+

For a calendar of all of St. Mary's activities visit our website.

Well-Being

Worship and Hospitality Opportunities as we remember the Rev. Gordon Stenning

On Saturday, May 4, we will be hosting a large collation for the Rev. Gordon Stenning following a memorial service at 10 a.m. and his burial in the churchyard.

We anticipate many guests including visiting clergy and our bishop. If you can, please join in offering hospitality to our guests for this event and share in remembering Gordon's legacy as St. Mary's rector for 31 years.

If you would like to offer ministry in support of the worship (greeters, acolytes, visiting clergy hospitality before the service), contact Jennifer.

We still have some slots to fill for the collation, and we've added some new ones (if you'd prefer to contribute ingredients rather than make something). Sign-up by Wednesday, May 1 to offer your time and talents for the collation.

If you have any questions regarding the collation, please contact Murry Edwards.

On Sunday April 21, 2024 at 3:00 p.m. the Choir School of Newport County and St. George’s School Chapel Choir with community guest singers (including some from St. Mary's choir), and instrumentalists present an Earth Day Concert.

The concert will include selections from Missa Gaia (Earth Mass) by Paul Winter, "Shenandoah," "In My Life," by The Beatles, "Verde Romero" ("Green Rosemary") an Argentinian folk song arranged in a mashup with The Beatles’ "Blackbird," Bobby McFerrin’s adaptation of Psalm 23, and Paul Halley’s "Freedom Trilogy."

If you'd like to familiarize yourself with these pieces, you can listen to them on Spotify.

The concert will be outdoors in the Wheeler Garden Courtyard adjacent to the Chapel of St. George’s School, 372 Purgatory Road, Middletown RI. In case of rain, the concert will move indoors to the Chapel. There is no admission charge, tickets, or reservations; a free-will offering will be collected.

Looking for Compost

and

Plots Available!



Do you compost with Black Earth but do not use your annual compost coupon for a free bag of compost? 

The community garden would be more than happy to use your compost in our St. Mary's community garden. You can redeem your coupon at Boulevard Nurseries at 1105 E Main Rd, Middletown, and deliver it to the garden at church.

And don't forget to reserve your plot in the garden.

Our community garden is a great place to be! Join us; plots are available. 

If you're interested in donating compost or having a plot in the community garden, contact Elise LaParle Garcia  for additional information or visit the St. Mary’s website to learn more.  

Other Community Opportunities