St. Mary of the Hills
Episcopal Church

July 1, 2021
A Word about Gathering Together
from Fr. Andrew

Dear Friends in Christ,
 
For nearly a year and half, we have lived amid ever-changing restrictions and guidelines governing our common life as a congregation.  Through it all, I have been inspired as your priest at the ways in which you have extended grace to one another in the face of uncertainty and anxiety.  As conditions change, so may our need for increased restrictions in the future.
 
Today I write to you with another development in the way that we gather – in accordance with CDC guidance, current restrictions in the State of North Carolina, and the latest guidelines from the Diocese of Western North Carolina, masks will no longer be required at any event at St. Mary of the Hills for those who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, beginning, Sunday, July 4th.  ...

Latest News from St. Mary of the Hills

10:10 Holy Eucharist Returns
THIS SUNDAY

Beginning this Sunday, July 4th, and all following Sundays, Holy Eucharist will be offered at 8:00AM and 10:10AM.  Christian Formation opportunities will be offered at 9:00AM and a  ‘Lemonade on the Lawn’ gathering time will be offered following the 10:10 Eucharist.

Lemonade on the Lawn

Join us for conversation and refreshments on the Front Lawn (weather permitting) following the 10:10AM Eucharist.  
Parish Office Closed - Monday, July 5th

The Parish Office will be closed on Monday, July 5th, in observance of the Independence Day holiday, and will reopen on Tuesday, July 6th.  Morning Prayer will be offered as normal, at 8:30AM in the Church.
Backpack Program for Community School Children

During the month of July, we are asking parishioners to donate a backpack filled with school materials such as notebook paper, pencils, crayons, notebooks, folders etc. You may drop off your backpack at the church, and it will be picked up and delivered to local schools. Thank you so much for your support. 
Rector's Forum

The Rector's Forum returns next Sunday, July 11th at 9:00AM in the Parish Hall. Join us for a conversation on scripture and its intersection with our daily lives.  
Tour of Homes 2021
A direct and Virtual Tour of Homes and Online Auction Live July 23, 2021
 
July 23rd, the 2021 Virtual Tour of Homes, and an Online Auction will be launched! The online auction will have items including jewelry, fine dining, events, rentals, and art that you’ll learn more about in a later article. This year’s virtual tour highlights four homes. To read about two of these unique properties, click the button below. We will describe the additional two houses next week, and then we will give you a preview of the Silent Auction the following weeks!

Daily Morning Prayer

Morning Prayer is once again being offered each weekday, Monday-Friday, at 8:30AM in the Church. Masks and distancing continue to be required. All are welcome!
Discipleship Groups

These groups follow a format designed by The Restoration Project, guiding participants through the seven disciplines which need to be followed and regularly restored in order to walk the path of discipleship.  If you are interested in joining a discipleship group or in putting one together, contact Owene Courtney at  owene_courtney@yahoo.com to learn more about this beautiful way of living as the Body of Christ, the Beloved Community on the journey of a disciple. 
Flower Offering Opportunities

Is there an important person or a significant event happening in your life? Is there an upcoming birthday or anniversary you would like to honor? Sponsoring the flowers placed at the altar each week is a great way to offer thanks for life’s many gifts. Many dates are available for 2021. Please contact Greta Wilson, Parish Administrator, for more information and available dates.

Follow us on Facebook!

Click the icon to the left to visit our Facebook page and don't forget to follow for latest pictures and updates.
A Place to Call Home

As Christians, we are being called to become Beloved Community which includes making sure all “God’s children have good, safe, and dignified places to live and thrive.” (Bishop of Episcopal Diocese NC).

If you are reading this article, you probably have a solid roof over your head, but for many in our county, this is not the case....

To learn more about affordable housing and efforts to expand it in our community, click below to read a piece from Lynn Coulthard.

This Sunday - Join us In Person or Online

Click the image above to view Sunday's bulletin.

The Sixth Sunday after Pentecost
July 4, 2021

Holy Eucharist
at
8:00AM and 10:10AM

Livestream 10:10AM

Online Giving to St. Mary of the Hills

Thank you for your continued generous support of St. Mary of the Hills!

Even as we practice social distancing and refrain from gathering for the health and safety of one another, the mission and ministry of the Church is ongoing - Worship, Christian Formation, and Outreach to our community continue in this season.

Please continue to remember us with your generous financial support.
Gifts can also be received via mail at P.O. Box 14 Blowing Rock, NC 28605.

Joe Raulerson, Financial Secretary, can speak with you about setting up recurring payments to fulfill your pledge. You may reach him via e-mail at financial@stmaryofthehills.org.