Fall Kickoff Sunday!
Sunday, September 11
We cannot wait to see everyone for the start of the program year! St. Mary's wants to welcome you back this Fall with a big kickoff! Join us on Sunday, September 11 as we return to two services at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Sunday School begins at 10 a.m. (see more information below) and following the 11 a.m. service, we will have a big picnic complete with hamburgers, hot dogs, and veggie options. And the Kona Ice truck will be here! Please contact Amelia McDaniel at amcdaniel@stmarysgoochland.org for more information.
Blessing of the Backpacks
Sunday, September 11 at 11 a.m. service
We are continuing the tradition of blessing backpacks for the beginning of the school year! ALL Children and Youth (and even Teachers!) don't forget your backpack on Sunday, September 11 for a special blessing during the 11 a.m. service!
Outdoor Sunday School Returns
Sunday, September 11 at 10 a.m. on the Nature Trail
Outdoor Sunday School was such a success last year that we are continuing it. A new meeting spot was created on the Nature Trail behind the Youth Education Building at the back of the campus. Kids will meet there to begin the Sunday School hour and then break off into smaller age groups to continue the lesson. Depending on the weather, they may be outdoors or head to their designated classrooms. If the weather is inclement, we will meet in the large classroom on the 1st floor of the Youth Education Building and break out from there. Pick up locations will be on the playgrounds, again weather permitting, or in the designated classrooms.

Interested in volunteering for Sunday School? There are so many ways to help on Sunday mornings. Sign up to be a helping hand by following this link.
Collecting School Supplies for
St. Andrew's School
It’s “back to school” time of year so, let’s help St. Andrew’s School start the school year off write! Through Sunday, September 11, we are collecting school supplies for St. Andrew’s School. Please bring in any of the following:
  • glue sticks
  • tissues
  • dry erase markers
  • colored pencils, batteries (all kinds)
  • construction paper
  • two pocket folders (solid colors)
  • markers
  • spiral notebooks

In addition, they have asked for some bigger classroom items, so if you would like to make a monetary donation towards those please write a check to "St. Mary's Episcopal Church" with "St. Andrew's School" in the memo line.

You can drop donations in the grocery cart in the back of the Narthex of New St. Mary’s on Sunday mornings or outside the Parish Office during the week. St. Andrew’s School is one of St. Mary’s outreach partners and grant recipients. They believe “every child deserves an education that equips them to thrive.”
Register for Children's Ministry Program
Help us keep information up to date!
Please take a moment to go online and fill out a registration form for your child or children for this fall. This information keeps us connected with your family. And it helps us have updated and accurate information such as addresses, emails, schools, and, especially, birth dates!
Oblation Bearer Families
Sunday, September 11 at 11 a.m. service
We are returning to the practice of having families bring up the elements – the bread and the wine – during the offertory. The bread and wine are brought forward to the priest so he/she may begin setting the table as the offertory continues. This is a great way to get involved in a low stress way! Email Amelia McDaniel to learn more and sign up your family through this link.
Parents' Hospitality Room
Gather in the Library during Sunday School Hour
Have you dropped your kid off at Sunday School but aren't planning on attending Adult Forum? Head to the Library on the first floor of the Education Building for some coffee and fellowship with other parents.
Parking Lot Church & Dinner
Save the date for Sunday, October 23 at 5 p.m.
Mark your calendars for Parking Lot Church and Dinner. On Sunday, October 23 at 5 p.m., families are invited for an informal worship in the parking lot followed by a potluck fellowship meal.
Other Important Information
Nursery & Children's Chapel
  • Nursery on Sunday Mornings - Meg Zehmer will again lead our wonderful team of nursery workers this year. Nursery is open from 8:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. for infants through 4-years-old. (If your child has need of the nursery and is older, please consult with Meg or Amelia, and we will do all we can to make sure there is a welcoming place for your child.) The nursery is located just off of the Dover Lounge.

  • Children's Chapel Returns - Children’s Chapel returns at the 11 a.m. service on Sunday, September 11. The kids follow the children’s cross out of the church at the Gospel hymn and into to the block room. There Amelia or one of the clergy will tell the Gospel story, give a children’s homily, and lead prayers. Rochelle Jordan, our choir member, leads songs. The kids return back to the service at the peace.