From the Rector

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

This week at the triennial General Convention of the Episcopal Church, the House of Bishops elected, with the House of Deputies concurring, our next Presiding Bishop, the Rt. Rev'd Sean Rowe (pictured above). Bishop Rowe is currently serving two dioceses--Northwestern Pennsylvania and Western New York. He is the youngest Presiding Bishop to be elected since William White in 1789, and is also our first Generation X Presiding Bishop. He was elected with enthusiasm on the first ballot, and will assume his new responsibilities on the feast of All Saints, November 1.

According to an article in today's New York Times, "Bishop Rowe called for the church to be courageous and resilient heading into what he described as an 'existential crisis' caused by a changing world. He suggested he would encourage the denomination to focus on local dioceses and congregations, and streamline its national structure so it doesn’t 'collapse under its own weight.'” This sentiment is shared by our own Bishop, and I wonder if it is representative of a wider trend in the Episcopal Church.

Let us give thanks for the nine years of faithful and dedicated service of Presiding Bishop Curry which were characterized by reminding us always of the way of love. Let us also pray for Presiding Bishop-elect Rowe as he assumes this great mantle of responsibility.

Blessings,
Father Rick

Outreach Camp Sponsorships

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. 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, we offered a sponsorship for a maximum of 20 children. We have those twenty children already! The cost has gone up by $100 per student, to $700 for the first child and $600 for siblings. The cost of the optional Friday trips amounts to $178 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 for the first child and $100 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’, or you can donate online, with the memo ‘Camp’.

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

Sincerely, Sue Heywood, St Mary's Outreach Chair

Community Notices