From the Rector

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

On Thursday, the eyes of the world will be on the National Cathedral as Americans mourn the passing of our 39th president, Jimmy Carter, who died on December 29 at age 100. He is the first president that I can remember, and a few things stand out. One Christmas (1978 or so), I remember getting a toy marionette in the shape of a large peanut. It had orange hair and a toothy Carter grin. His name was Jimmy P. Nut--ha ha. More importantly, I remember being in the first grade lunchroom when we learned that Iran had freed the American hostages, and we all cheered.

In reading an online history of his tenure, it is clear that the President had quite a full plate during his four years in office. However, it is his post-presidential legacy that is most inspiring to people all over the world. A peacemaker, builder, healer, Sunday school teacher, and a husband; President Carter was a man who lived the values of his faith. From Habitat for Humanity to the Carter Center's near eradication of the guinea worm, his work touched the lives of millions.

As we tune in on Thursday, let us think about our own lives of faith and service and be thankful for the light of Christian love that cannot be extinguished, at work in our community and throughout the world.

Blessings,
Father Rick

Please visit our YouTube page for video clips from our beautiful Christmas services.

Habitat Twelfth Night Concert

St. Mary’s Outreach supports Habitat for Humanity Newburgh’s work year-round and this year will be making a $1,000 donation at the upcoming Twelfth Night concert. We would welcome checks or online donations that will be added to this sum. If you would like to donate, please donate online or make checks payable to St. Mary’s Outreach, memo ‘Habitat Twelfth Night.’ Habitat Newburgh has seven house builds in progress and a long line of families still waiting to be enrolled in the program that leads to the joy of homes of their own.

Sue Heywood, Outreach Chair