During the month of September, we are collecting school supplies for St. Andrew's School! Please bring any of the following items to donate:

You can drop them 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."

David May is designating this Sunday's loose offering plate to Episcopal Relief and Development's Hurricane Relief Fund. That means all change, cash, and checks that aren't designated as a 'pledge' will be sent as a donation to respond to the recent devastating hurricanes. Please be generous!

The Hurricane Relief Fund helps ERD's partners and episcopal dioceses reach vulnerable communities devastated by Hurricane Ida and other catastrophic storms. As they continue to assess ongoing needs in impacted areas, your urgent gift will enable them to respond now — and in the long run to aid in recovery. We thank you in advance for your generosity this upcoming Sunday. Or if you would like to give now, follow this link.

The Outreach Ministry Committee is continuing to offer an opportunity to assist GoochlandCARES in their Clothes Closet. The next volunteer session at GoochlandCARES is scheduled for Sunday, September 12 after the 11 a.m. service. If you are interested in joining us, please contact Charmaine Trice via email or Dick Thomas via email.

The first group went out on August 15. They sorted donated clothing and personal items, discarding damaged or out-of-date items. If you can't make it this Sunday, please consider signing up for October 10 or November 14.

On August 31, the Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church sent a message highlighting ways to help Afghan Refugees through Episcopal Migration Ministries. He wrote, "As Afghans arrive to the U.S. with the hope of safety, The Episcopal Church, through the work of Episcopal Migration Ministries, is assisting our new neighbors through the Afghan Parolee Support Program. This new U.S. program, dependent on private resources and community-led welcome and support, will provide security and foundation necessary for arriving Afghans to begin life in the U.S..... The needs are great and will require our communities and congregations to come together to contribute financially, offering housing, volunteer, and pray."

Find out how to stay involved in the work of advocacy in ensuring the U.S. government honors its commitments to our Afghan allies at https://www.episcopalchurch.org/ministries/office-government-relations/  

 

To contribute financially to provide for housing, medical and financial support, and expanded community sponsorship to serve our Afghan allies, visit bit.ly/supportafghanallies to make a secure donation online, or text “EMMALLIES” to 41444.

In addition, the Rev. Deacon Harrison Higgins is gathering a group of parishioners to discern how St. Mary's would like to respond as a larger community. If you would like to be part of this work, please email Harrison at hhiggins@stmarysgoochland.org.

In July 23rd's reflection, David May shared an invitation to all parishioners. He wrote, "I hope more and more people will keep participating in all of the ministries of our church. As that happens, something becomes more alive in us, more breathed-through by the Spirit, and it makes our witness to the Gospel so much richer, fuller, and life-giving."

If you are interested learning more or feel called to join the work of St. Mary's Outreach Ministry, please visit http://www.stmarysgoochland.org/outreach/ or email Charmaine Trice.