From the Rector

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

In June of last summer, JoAnn Hanson and I attended the College for Congregational Development, a week-long intensive program sponsored by our diocese. The topics were many and included things like facilitation and communication. We were all required to assess our own Meyers-Briggs "type" (I call this the Episcopal horoscope) in order to get a better picture of our own parish's "type." This knowledge helped us to discern our strengths and opportunities for growth.

On the strength side, St. Mary's is friendly, outgoing, caring, and social. You probably already know this. Our small group colleagues were simply amazed by all the things we do. We sensed, however, that the weaker area is our interior self. We are in need of spiritual growth.

To address this, we were given "homework." We are therefore asking you to help guide this process and tell us what you think and what you would like to see in the area of spiritual growth at St. Mary's. Our goal is to collect that information and use it to create an opportunity to enrich our spirituality in Lent.

Please click here to fill out our brief survey. Thank you for participating in this important part of our common life.

Blessings,
Father Rick

Harvest Thanksgiving This Sunday

As you contemplate your 2024 pledge, please consider carefully what St. Mary's means to you; acknowledge our shared responsibility to keep our church vibrant and healthy in every respect. Pledge an amount you are comfortable with and please remember that each and every gift is meaningful and received with gratitude and joy. Abundance is what God has made available. And generosity is what we do with what has been made available. Thank you for sharing your abundance.

Inger Rein Grüterich
Stewardship Chair

Thanksgiving Outreach Appeal

Traditionally St. Mary’s puts together Thanksgiving Baskets to give to low income families in our community and families who, because of sickness or any other adversity, would benefit and enjoy some extra help in creating their Thanksgiving meal.

We have been asked to provide for 30 families which includes 50 children with Traditional American baskets which will be distributed on Monday, November 20th. 

We are accepting donations of certain fresh items (potatoes, sweet potatoes, onions, carrots, apples). Items should be dropped inside the chapel by November 19th. We will pack the baskets on Monday, November 20th at 9am.

We are also accepting cash donations with which we will buy the remaining items for the baskets. You may donate by check (made out to St. Mary’s, with memo Thanksgiving Baskets) or online.

Please contact Jane Garofano or Sue Heywood to indicate what you would like to donate and to volunteer help packing the baskets. 

Thank you!

Thanksgiving at St. John’s in Arden

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.

Community Notices