From the Rector

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

Like you, I woke up on Wednesday morning to the results of the general election. I honestly thought that we would not know the outcome so quickly, but the voters have spoken, and we have a clear winner in the Presidential race. A number of people have approached me with anxiety over the election results; I'm sure that others feel a sense of optimism. Wherever you fall on that spectrum, there is no doubt that our country remains deeply divided.

Where does that leave us as Episcopalian Christians? Like our country, our Church is home to people of a wide diversity of viewpoints. However, we all share one common focus, namely Jesus Christ, and him crucified. Like Christians throughout the millennia, we exist in time and space, and are part of the fabric of the politics and governments of our time. Also like Christians throughout the millennia, we are called to make Christ present in a world that has always and will always need him and his message of salvation. 

Where do we start? Our Bishop is fond of saying that "the Holy Spirit moves at ground level." That is a great place to start. We are fortunate to live in a tight-knit community in which people look out for one another. Often, though, our relationships don't go much beyond the superficial. As one of my priestly colleagues said recently, "I want to know you on a deeper level than a yard sign." Building deep connections fosters respect and trust, which lead us into deeper communion and communication with one another.

At the end of the day, I am grateful for our democracy; for free and fair elections; and for the peaceful transition of power. None of these things can be taken for granted. So, whether your candidate won or lost, remember that being a part of a democracy, like being a Christian, is a vocation. Neither is mutually exclusive; both intersect throughout our lives. The work of a Christian is also the work of a good citizen. Feed the hungry. Clothe the naked. Visit the sick and imprisoned. Welcome the stranger. 

May the peace of the Lord be always with you.

Father Rick

Outreach Update

Episcopal Charities has granted St Mary’s on behalf of the Sloatsburg Food Pantry a grant of $5,000 to be used with Driscoll Foods by the first week of December. Helping Hands in the same way was granted $2,000. Susan Meyer will be placing the orders so the food can be used for the pantry clients and St Mary’s outreach at Thanksgiving and Christmas.

ShopRite has granted us 20% discount on $4,000 worth of $50 gift cards. We will take the discount as extra cards and will pick them up next Friday....ninety-six $50 gift cards. These will be used in the Thanksgiving Baskets and for the Angel Tree gifts in December.

I think we have in place the basic arrangements for Thanksgiving

Baskets and their delivery. 35 families are on the list which was supplied by GGM and Baker High school of the registered low-income families in Tuxedo. Hispanic and traditional baskets will be provided. We have a list of the ingredients needed for the Hispanic baskets.

SFP will supply 35 turkeys which the school has agreed to pick up on the morning of Monday 25th November. They will use a school bus which will then pick up our baskets from St Mary’s around 12 noon and deliver them to the families homes. SFP will also supply 35 dozen eggs and cheese for all baskets.  We will need to collect those the week prior and store them at St Mary’s.

Jane Garofano is organizing the donations of traditional ingredients from parishioners and friends. Packing will take place on the morning of Monday November 25th in the chapel at St Mary’s.

Thank you,

Sue Heywood Outreach Chair

Community Notices