From the Rector

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

This Sunday is the Day of Pentecost, otherwise known as Whitsunday. It is considered to be the birth of the Church, as the disciples and Mary the mother of Jesus were gathered together in one room where they received the gift of the Holy Spirit. A mighty rush was heard, and tongues of fire appeared over their heads. Each began to praise God in different languages, signaling God's desire that all the world should be drawn into his loving embrace. So, beginning at Jerusalem, the word of God and his message of salvation spread around the whole world.

The liturgical color for the day is red, and I encourage you to wear that color. The children of the Sunday school will also be creating Pentecost "flames" to wear on their heads. We will hear scripture and liturgy in Greek, Danish, Swahili, German, Spanish, Latin, and French (with English translations side-by-side).

Jesus has ascended back to the Father, but as he promised, he did not leave us comfortless. He gave us the gift of the Holy Spirit to lead us into all truth and to give us the power to be God's disciples in our day and time. Alleluia!

Blessings,
Father Rick

Sunday School at 9:45am Every Sunday

The formation of children is a critical part of our mission. Service in church helps them learn about responsibility, charity, and self-sacrifice. Children are welcome to participate in our programs and/or attend church services with their parents. Under age 5, there is a a fun childcare program. Children ages 5 to 12 are welcome to attend Sunday School. Those 10 and older are encouraged to participate in the service as acolytes or readers. Please speak with Father Rick or call the church office at 845.351.5122 for more information.

Outreach Update

Dear Friends,

It has become a tradition at St Mary's to provide financial support to local children who otherwise would not be able to have the experience of camp or enjoy so many of the fun Summer activities that most of us take for granted.  Last year, through your generosity, we were able to support 21 children in the local camp at a cost to us of $15,350.00. Each year the cost of living goes up, and for many of these families there's not much left after providing the basics.

This year, about a month ago, a letter went out to the parents whose children are registered for free and reduced cost meals due to low and uncertain incomes. We offered a sponsorship for a maximum of 20 children. We have those twenty children already! The cost has gone up by $100.00 per student, to $700.00 for the first child and $600.00 for siblings. The cost of the optional Friday trips amounts to $178.00 per student: Splashdown, White Castle, High Exposure [ rock climbing], Bowling, and Boulders baseball. The Bounce trip will be free to campers. Not all students will opt for every trip, though they will be in the minority!  If they can afford it, we are asking the parents to pay $200.00 for the first child and $100.00 for each sibling as their part towards the fees and Friday trips.  

St Mary's would be grateful for any donations of whatever size to help us fund this year's campers. Checks should be made out to St Mary's Outreach, with memo 'Camp Sponsorship', or you can donate online at www.stmtux.com and make the designation in the Outreach dropdown. 

You will be welcome to come to our first barbecue and film on the Great Lawn on May 31st, which will mark the start of our appeal. 

Thank you for your support which will give five weeks of fun to twenty local children!

                Sincerely Sue Heywood, St Mary's Outreach Chair

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