Dear Friends, 

 

Huge thanks to everyone who participated and prayed for our celebration of new ministry last night at St. Mary's. The worship was extravagant and spirited, and we enjoyed a fabulous party afterward. My family and I continue to be deeply grateful for your welcome. Thank you to each person who played a role in hosting this worship and reception. I thank God for this new beginning in ministry and look forward to all that lies ahead as we serve together. 

 

With gratitude and in Christ,

Jennifer+

 

Visit our homepage for more photos from the Celebration of a New Ministry. 

 

Almighty and everlasting God, increase in us the gifts of faith, hope, and charity; and, that we may obtain what you promise, make us love what you command; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Submit a name to the parish prayer list.
 

Episcopal Church 101
Leaders: Ken Hileman and Ellyn Eaves-Hileman

 

Whether you are a "cradle Episcopalian," a curious Episcopalian, or not yet an Episcopalian, come explore our church and its rich traditions. This class will be structured to share information about such topics as what we believe as a church, how we worship and make decisions, and what makes us distinct from other Christian denominations. The content will be designed to address participants' questions and interests. Classes will run through November 23. 

 

Please note: This series is required for those seeking adult baptism, confirmation, or reception, and is recommended for parents who are supporting teens preparing for their own confirmation on November 30 when our bishop makes his visit.

 

Register by sending an email to info@smcportsmouth.org or sign up when you show up.

 

Next Steps in Faith, Next Steps in Community

 

Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received. (1 Peter 4:10)

 

At the end of next week, you will receive a mailing about 2015 annual giving, including a pledge card, which we ask that you return by Ingathering Sunday, November 9.

 

Whether a first-time or a longtime giver, please be prayerful as you consider your pledge. When we approach giving with gratitude and generosity, each of us can make a difference.

 

Volunteer with the MLK Center in Newport

 

The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center in Newport is in need of volunteers for several of its programs, including the Feed a Friend Food Pantry and Food 2 Friends. Days and times vary. Please contact Nancy Harten (nharten@mlkccenter.org; 401-846-4828, ext. 103) with questions or to express an interest. 

 

Help coordinate a December blood drive at St. Mary's

 

St. Mary's will host a blood drive on Sunday, December 7. Please plan on stopping by to donate blood if you are able and we ask that you contact Dave Monroe (401-225-5494) if you can assist with advance logistics for the event. 

 

Thursday, October 30, 7 pm

 

All are invited to St. Peter's and Andrew's Episcopal Church (25 Pomona Ave., Providence) for the tenth anniversary celebration of The Blessing Way, a faith-based prison ministry that St. Mary's has supported for many years through financial assistance from our Outreach Commission and the talents of parishioners who have supported ex-offenders in The Blessing Way's landscaping skills course.

 

If you are interested in learning more about this ministry or attending the anniversary celebration, please contact John Martin (401-486-3362) or Cherie Martin (401-486-2380). Carpooling will be available. 

At services on November 1 and 2, we will remember those who have died in the past year and all those whom we love but see no longer. If you wish to add the names of departed loved ones to the intercessions on those dates, please email them to anne@smcportsmouth.org or write them in the binder at the back of the church or in the gathering space of the Parish House by this Wednesday, October 29. Names will be read aloud at each of the services. 

Sunday, November 2

 

Please join us for the 10:30 am service on November 2, when we will honor staff member Martha Hultgren, who is retiring after more than 30 years as St. Mary's parish administrator -- and stay afterward for the festive farewell reception that follows.

 

To contribute a financial gift

Make your check payable to St. Mary's, with "Martha Hultgren" on the memo line, and place it in the offering plate or deliver to the attention of Murry Edwards at the church by Tuesday, October 28. Cards are also welcome.

 

To contribute finger foods for the reception

Please call Susan Kelchner (401-683-9745) or Jeanne Derrah (401-847-5747) to let them know what you are bringing. For planning purposes, it is important that we anticipate what will be served. 
 

To the rector, staff, and congregation of St. Mary's Church,

I am writing to thank you for the fantastic coffee hour you held in my honor on October 12 and also for the many hand-written notes and gifts given to me that day.

I really enjoyed my 25 years with St. Mary's. It was a fantastic place to work, and I enjoyed being part of this caring church. I certainly won't miss getting up so early in the morning, but I will miss being part of the hard-working staff and greeting the congregation at Sunday coffees.

I look forward to seeing you all again sometime soon, perhaps to have a cup of coffee again with you. Thanks again for the most fantastic send-off a sexton could ask for.

Yours sincerely,

Larry

Do you have a passion for photography? Are you willing to take pictures for the church that help document our parish life? If so, please contact our director of communications and ministry, Anne Stone (anne@smcportsmouth.org; ext. 102), to express an interest in offering occasional photographic assistance at special events in the life of our parish. 

St. Mary's is an active parish, with many church and other groups here throughout the week. Please request space in advance for any meetings you want to hold at St. Mary's.

 

To book a room, contact our parish administrator (martha@smcportsmouth.org).

 

For help spreading the word about your event, email our director of communications and ministry (anne@smcportsmouth.org; ext. 102).

Pumpkin Carving
This Sunday, October 26, 11:30 am to 1 pm 

BYOP (bring your own pumpkin) and stick around after the 10:30 am service to enjoy apple cider, cookies,
and pumpkin donuts while you carve. All ages are welcome. Kid-safe carving tools will be available.

 

Property Commission: Organizational meeting
This Wednesday, October 29, 7:30 pm, St. George's Chapel
Do you have skills in buildings and grounds? Come learn about a commission being established to coordinate the repairs and maintenance of our magnificent facilities and the church grounds. Contact Harry Gustafson (harrygn@cox.net) with questions or to express an interest in this new ministry.

 

Acolyte Training: Saturday, November 1, 10 am

All who serve as acolytes at the 8 am or 10:30 am Sunday services are asked to attend this refresher training to review several liturgical changes that have been put into place since earlier trainings. 

 

St. Mary's hosts diocesan convention

Saturday, November 8

Clergy and elected lay delegates from Episcopal churches across the state will gather at St. Mary's to participate in the annual diocesan convention. Beware the extra traffic on and around our grounds!

 

We offer thanks to this week's breakfast hosts: Rene and Ted Bierman, Carol and David Brierley, Marilyn Ferkinhoff, Andre Levesque, and Jean Wilson

 

Our weekly Sunday breakfasts from 9 to 10:15 am are a wonderful time to meet people
in the wider parish community. Each Sunday is hosted by a different team of
volunteers. If you are willing to help with this ministry of hospitality by bringing breakfast treats on a Sunday this fall, please sign up on the board in the gathering space of the Parish House. Questions? Contact Judy Hall (woofer64@yahoo.com) or view the guidelines for hosts. 
  

Altar Guild:
Millie Cozzens, Joanne Dunlap, and Fay Gosling

 

5 PM

Greeters: Lucy and Meg Warburg

Lector: Lucy Warburg

Lector and Intercessor: Meg Warburg
Lay Eucharistic Minister: Christine Cassels

 

8 AM

Greeters: Tom and Lori Brown
Acolyte: Bob Reed

Lector: Sue Hall

Intercessor: Cindy Dube

Lay Eucharistic Minister: Judy Hall

 

10:30 AM

Greeters: Jean Wilson and Andre Levesque
Acolytes: Dave Ferkinhoff, Gladys Mae Walsh, and Karen White

Lectors: Jason Kane and George Cushman

Intercessor: Rene Bierman
Lay Eucharistic Ministers: Steve and Elaine Bakios 

 

 

 324 East Main Road, Portsmouth, RI 02871 · 401.846.9700