Parish Well-Being

A highlight of St. Mary's well-being is service to those in the parish and community at times of celebration as well as times of difficulty. We offer various ministries that allow members and non-members of the parish opportunities to connect and to foster well-being for themselves and others. From offering hospitality at a funeral or coffee hour to blanketing a new baby or someone in deep need with a prayer shawl, you can find a way to connect to one of these ministries.

HoSpitality

St. Mary's prides itself in its warm welcome to newcomers and members. Many events in the parish offer opportunities to come together for food and fellowship.

Monthly we offer

• Bites and Beverages, a time to gather after the 5:00 Saturday service on the 1st Saturday,
• an intergenerational family dinner that includes dinner, a short program, and Compline on the 1st Wednesday during the school year, and
• Coffee Hour following the 10:00 service on the 3rd Sunday.

One of St. Mary's signature hospitality offerings is a  collation (which means "to bring together") following a funeral.

  We believe that this "bringing together" over food and drink

• helps in remembering the deceased,
• brings some closure for family and friends,
• disspells grief after the funeral gathering,
• offers comfort and companionship to the deceased’s loved ones, and
• creates memories of this celebration that can lift spirits and ease loneliness and grief in the ensuing months.

The collation is coordinated through the church office when planning the funeral.

We also offer special events such as a Shrove Tuesday pancake supper, a festive celebration following the Great Vigil of Easter, or a Pentecost picnic.

At all events gluten free options are available as well as suitable nonalcoholic beverages when alcohol is served.

Pastoral Care

We are all the body of Christ, whether we worship in church or at home. The pastoral care team reaches out to St. Mary's shut-ins and house-bound parishioners and welcomes newcomers to our community

The Pastoral Care Team connects these members of the church through

• Lay Eucharistic visitors who take communion to those who are house-bound,
• preparing meals,
• running errands,
• sending note cards,
• welcoming newcomers,
• awarding the St. Mary's Scholarship to members, and
• driving folks to appointments when needed.

St. Mary's also has a  prayer shawl ministry that contributes to the well-being of the parish as well as the larger community.  This ministry makes prayer shawls, hats, scarves and mittens, and baby blankets for those in need of warmth both literally and figuratively.