From the Rector

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

One of the distinctive characteristics of the Episcopal (Anglican) Church among other reformed Christian traditions is our retention of the sacred order of Bishops and the historic apostolic succession. Indeed, the very name of our Church comes from the Greek word  ἐπίσκοπος (episkopos), meaning "overseer." Our bishops have a special and distinct ministry to the people and the broader Church. They are unifying figures who govern, shepherd, and protect and interpret the deposit of faith. They remind us that we are not islands unto ourselves, but an integral part of something much larger.

About every 18 months, one of our bishops pays us an official visit in which he or she meets with the vestry, the rector and his spouse, as well as the congregation as a whole. The Bishop presides at the Sunday service, and performs the special function of officially welcoming people into the faith through confirmation or reception. People may also choose publicly to reaffirm their faith if they feel so called.

On Sunday, October 13, we will once again welcome Bishop Mary Glasspool to St. Mary's. So far, we have two people who wish to be confirmed and received. If you are 13 years or older and wish to be confirmed or received into the Episcopal Church, please contact me.

Blessings,
Father Rick

Music News

It has become an annual tradition at St. Mary's for our beloved soprano, Aileen Sager, to sing Sir Arthur Sullivan's famous "The Lost Chord" on the Sunday before Labor Day (September 1, 2024 at 10am). Don't miss this marvelous vocal solo by the man who wrote the music for all the Gilbert and Sullivan Operettas.

Sheldon Eldridge, Organist and Choirmaster

P.S. Our full Schola Cantorum returns the following week, on Rally Sunday, September 8th, when we also start a new Sunday School year.

Outreach Urgent Need

The Food Pantry is currently not able to meet the needs for some of the basics that families rely on. St. Mary's is continuing to collect rice, pasta and cereals to supplement their stock. Our contributions last week were much appreciated and completely finished. Thank you to Jill and Fred Buell for making our delivery.

We have a basket at the foot of the steps to the church and would appreciate any donations for next week's delivery. The basket will be monitored daily, and items safely stored ready to be transported to the SFP for next week's opening. Fresh items of vegetables and fruit are also needed.

Thank you for your help! Sue Heywood, Outreach Chair

Community Notices