Welcome to Saint Mary’s Episcopal Church!

The Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost August 25, 2013

For 127 years, St. Mary’s has been a Christ-centered community

with a mission to express God’s love for all people.

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A large print version of this bulletin is available from the ushers.

Welcome to St. Mary’s! If you would like more information about the Episcopal Church, or about St. Mary’s church in particular, please sign the guest book to receive mailed information and an invitation to have coffee with our priest, LeeAnne Watkins.

All children are welcome in church. They are also welcome to pick up a clipboard and crayons, a book, or a stuffed animal to sit with them during the service. These can be found just outside the sanctuary near the guest book.

All people are welcome to receive the bread and wine at Holy Communion (Eucharist). After approaching the altar, you may stand or kneel. Place one hand on top of the other to receive the bread. Please help guide the cup when receiving the wine or, if you prefer, dip your bread into the wine. If you do not wish to share in the bread and wine, you are invited to come forward and cross your hands over your chest to receive a blessing. Everyone at the

altar will be acknowledged.

We hope you feel welcome during your time with us today! If you are poking around for a good ‘fit’ church-wise, perhaps this is the place for you! If not, we’re still glad you stopped by. If you want to check out other Episcopal churches in St. Paul, each has their own ‘feel,’ in terms of worship style and community. You can find out more at: www.episcopalmn.org.

For Our Visitors

Sources for Today’s Service

The Prayers of the People were written by the Rev. LeeAnne Watkins and the opening acclamation is from Isaiah 6. The rest of the service is from The Book of Common Prayer. The Lessons are from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible (NRSV).

All music printed in this bulletin is used by permission. All rights reserved. Reprinted under OneLicense.net #A-709681.

As with all our liturgies, your feedback is welcome; simply drop an email to rector@ saintmarysepiscopal.org. Thank you! Your feedback on this worship bulletin is also welcome. Please contact the editor, Walt Gordon, bulletin1895@gmail.com, 612 859-0774.

Paperless Worship Bulletins! We have an eco-friendly option for you to read your service bulletins on your e-reader, tablet, or iPad. Go to http://saintmarysepiscopal.org/service-bulletins. You can even read it on your smart phone, although the print might be really tiny! Our wifi password is godisgoodallthetime. Paper bulletins still available. Happy e-reading!

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SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 IS RALLY DAY!

ST. MARY’S ALL-PARISH, COMBINED 10AM WORSHIP SERVICE AND PICNIC

W elcome to St. Mary’s annual restart of the program year! (Sunday School starts a week later, on September 22.) It’s almost time for school to start, the cabins to be

closed up for the summer, and the docks to be taken in. Don’t be glum! LET’S CELEBRATE that we will all be back together worshiping and sharing our lives.

Remember, on the 15th day we will have only the one service, at 10 AM. After that combined service, we will have a BBQ and picnic (hopefully outside). Bring a dish to share! Let’s be daring and leave it to chance. Make your favorite recipe for 8-10 people—salad, side dish, or dessert—you choose! Hot dogs, burgers, and beverages provided.

Come ready to share your summer adventures with old and new friends.

Contact Ginny DeLuca if you have questions or a BURNING desire for a job! Which reminds me, anyone want to grill?? —Ginny Deluca, Hospitality Chair, ginnydeluca1736@gmail.com

THREE ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM SAINT MARY’S TENANTS

SEPTEMBER 21: LAUREL YOGA STUDIO OPEN HOUSE, 1 – 4:30 PM

Curious about yoga? Considering a beginning class? Practiced yoga before but been away from it for a while? Looking for a new approach to yoga? Drop by to see what’s going on at Laurel Yoga Studio here at St. Mary’s. Details at http://laurelyogastudio.com/come-to-our-open-house.

OCTOBER 13: “LET’S GET AWAY FROM IT ALL” — MUSIC AT EPISCOPAL HOMES

Singer/actress Barbara Meyer and pianist Liz Lupien are bringing their delightfully quirky show, Let’s Get Away From It All, to the stage at Cornelia House, located at Episcopal Homes near Fairview and University. It’s a savvy travel-themed treasure trove of tunes from the ‘20s, ‘30s, and ‘40s, replete with entertaining tidbits and surprises. The joy that these two find in sharing these gems from the American Songbook spills out of every moment of their collaboration. Come and join us! (Liz Lupien teaches piano at St. Mary’s, and the beautiful grand piano in the sanctuary— that’s Liz’s!)

THROUGH NOV. 17: SARAH KUSA ART SHOW

For anyone who’s curious about what’s been going on in the St. Mary’s boardroom space, I’ll have ten pieces of art on view in the Specialty Clinic at Hudson Hospital in Hudson, Wisconsin, through November 17 (just a 28-minute drive from St. Mary’s). I hope some of the St. Mary’s congregation can get to stop by the show! (Please note that while much of my work is in fabric, these pieces are simply fine art and not fabric design.) Learn more about Sarah’s work creating “hand-printed loveliness for your home” at www.sarahkusa.com.

To learn about all our St. Mary’s building tenants/members and their work, please visit saintmarysepiscopal.org/building-members.

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The Holy Eucharist

Prelude Morning Song F. Mendelssohn

At the sound of the chime, please stand as you are able and face the back of the church.

Opening Acclamation

Celebrant Arise, shine, for our light has come! People And the glory of the Lord has dawned upon us!

Hymn of Praise Morning Has Broken Hymnal 8

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Words: Eleanor Farjeon (1881-1965), alt. Music: Bunneson, Gaelic melody; harm. Alec Wyton (b. 1921)

Collect of the Day

Celebrant The Lord be with you. People And also with you. Celebrant Let us pray.

Grant, O merciful God, that your Church, being gathered together in unity by your Holy Spirit, may show forth your power among all peoples, to the glory of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

The First Reading Jeremiah 1:4-10

The people may be seated.

The word of the LORD came to me saying,

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.”

Then I said, “Ah, Lord GOD! Truly I do not know how to speak, for I am only a

boy.” But the LORD said to me,

“Do not say, ‘I am only a boy’; for you shall go to all to whom I send you, and you shall speak whatever I command you, Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you, says the LORD.”

Then the LORD put out his hand and touched my mouth; and the LORD

said to me,

“Now I have put my words in your mouth. See, today I appoint you over nations and over kingdoms,

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to pluck up and to pull down, to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant.”

Reader Hear what the Spirit is saying to God’s people. People Thanks be to God.

The Psalm (7:45 service only) Psalm 71:1-6

1 In you, O LORD, have I taken refuge; * Let me never be ashamed.

2 In your righteousness, deliver me and set me free; * incline your ear to me and save me.

3 Be my strong rock, a castle to keep me safe; * you are my crag and my stronghold.

4 Deliver me, my God, from the hand of the wicked, * from the clutches of the evildoer and the oppressor.

5 For you are my hope, O Lord GOD, * my confidence since I was young.

6 I have been sustained by you ever since I was born; from my mother’s womb you have been my strength; *

my praise shall be always of you.

In Place of the Psalm (10:30 service only) Come Down, O Love Divine

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Words: Bianco da Siena (d. 1434?); tr. Richard Frederick Littledale (1833–1890), alt. Music: Down Ampney, Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872–1958).

The Second Reading Hebrews 12:18-24

You have not come to something that can be touched, a blazing fire,

and darkness, and gloom, and a tempest, and the sound of a trumpet,

and a voice whose words made the hearers beg that not another word

be spoken to them. (For they could not endure the order that was

given, “If even an animal touches the mountain, it shall be stoned to

death.” Indeed, so terrifying was the sight that Moses said, “I tremble

with fear.”)

But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the

heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering, and

to the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God

the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, and to

Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that

speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.

Reader Hear what the Spirit is saying to God’s people. People Thanks be to God.

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The Alleluia Celtic Allelulia

Please stand, as you are able. During the singing of the Alleluia, the Gospel Book is carried to the midst of the congregation. It is customary to turn and face the reader during the reading of the Gospel.

Music: Celtic Alleluia, Fintan O’Carroll & Christopher Walker, admin. OCP Publications.

The Gospel Luke 13:10-17

Deacon The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke. People Glory to you, Lord Christ.

Now Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues on the sabbath. And

just then there appeared a woman with a spirit that had crippled her

for eighteen years. She was bent over and was quite unable to stand

up straight. When Jesus saw her, he called her over and said, “Woman,

you are set free from your ailment.” When he laid his hands on her,

immediately she stood up straight and began praising God.

But the leader of the synagogue, indignant because Jesus had cured

on the sabbath, kept saying to the crowd, “There are six days on which

work ought to be done; come on those days and be cured, and not on

the sabbath day.”

But the Lord answered him and said, “You hypocrites! Does not each of

you on the sabbath untie his ox or his donkey from the manger, and

lead it away to give it water? And ought not this woman, a daughter of

Abraham whom Satan bound for eighteen long years, be set free from

this bondage on the sabbath day?” When he said this, all his opponents

were put to shame; and the entire crowd was rejoicing at all the

wonderful things that he was doing.

Deacon The Gospel of the Lord. People Praise to you, Lord Christ.

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Sermon The Rev. LeeAnne Watkins

The people may be seated.

The Baptismal Covenant Please stand as you are able.

Intercessor Do you believe in God the Father? People I believe in God, the Father almighty,

creator of heaven and earth.

Intercessor Do you believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God? People I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.

He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary.

He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried.

He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven,

and is seated at the right hand of the Father.

He will come again to judge the living and the dead.

Intercessor Do you believe in God the Holy Spirit? People I believe in the Holy Spirit,

the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.

Intercessor Will you continue in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in the prayers?

People I will, with God’s help.

Intercessor Will you persevere in resisting evil, and, whenever you fall into sin, repent and return to the Lord?

People I will, with God’s help.

Intercessor Will you proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ? People I will, with God’s help.

Intercessor Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as yourself?

People I will, with God’s help.

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Intercessor Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being?

People I will, with God’s help.

Prayers of the People

Intercessor Let us pray. In joy and gratitude, and with tender hearts, we pray to you, Lord God.

We praise you for creating the earth, our planet home, with its beautiful depths, soaring heights, and mysterious waters; its vitality

and abundance of life.

People Thank you for the harvest blessings of summer: for ripe tomatoes, butter on sweet corn, and raspberries full with flavor.

Intercessor We pray that people of faith everywhere might live in harmony, together

giving praise for the richness of all that is holy and beautiful.

People Teach us to live in peace.

Intercessor We pray for all those who work for justice and healing, particularly those who work for an end to war, racism, and poverty; and for those who risk much for the common good.

People Sustain us on the long road to a just world.

Intercessor We pray for those who are sick or lost, whose hearts ache, whose memories fail, or who are in any need or trouble.

People Sustain us as we serve those in need.

Intercessor We offer thanksgivings for all those who have lived on this earth, our ancestors and our friends, who dreamed the best for future generations, and upon whose lives our lives are built.

People Help us honor them, and teach their values to our children.

Intercessor We pray for the thanksgivings and concerns from our local community, silently or aloud.

(people may offer their own intercessions and thanksgivings)

Intercessor And that we might recall your love for us and for all creation, and the

constant promise of beginning anew, we offer you now our confession:

People Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen.

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Absolution

The Peace

Please stand, as you are able.

Celebrant The peace of the Lord be always with you. People And also with you.

Announcements

The people may be seated. Please refer to the front and back pages for additional items.

Offertory Anthem Come, Thou Font of Every Blessing arr. D. A. White

Come, thou fount of every blessing, tune my heart to sing thy grace; Streams of mercy, never ceasing, call for songs of loudest praise. Teach me some melodious sonnet, sung by flaming tongues above. Praise the mount! I’m fixed upon it, mount of thy redeeming love.

Here I raise my Ebenezer*; Hither by thy help I'm come; And I hope, by thy good pleasure, safely to arrive at home. Jesus sought me when a stranger, wandering from the fold of God; He, to rescue me from danger, interposed with precious blood.

O to grace how great a debtor daily I’m constrained to be! Let thy goodness, like a fetter, bind my wandering heart to thee. Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, prone to leave the God I love; Here’s my heart, O take and seal it, seal it for thy courts above!

*The word "Ebenezer" means "stone of help." It comes from 1 Samuel 7:12: "Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Jeshanah, and named it Ebenezer; for he said, 'Thus far the Lord has helped us.'"

Words: Robert Robinson (1735-1790), alt. Music: Nettleton, melody from A Repository of Sacred Music, Part II, 1813.

The Great Thanksgiving

Please stand as you are able.

Celebrant The Lord be with you. People And also with you.

Celebrant Lift up your hearts.

People We lift them to the Lord.

Celebrant Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. People It is right to give God thanks and praise.

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Celebrant It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, God Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.

Therefore we praise you, joining our voices with Angels and Archangels and with all the company of heaven, who for ever sing this hymn to proclaim the glory of your Name:

Music: Land of Rest, adapt. By Marcia Pruner, © 1980, Church Pension Fund; acc. by Richard Proulx.

Celebrant Holy and gracious God: In your infinite love you made us for yourself, and, when we had fallen into sin and become subject to evil and death, you, in your mercy, sent Jesus Christ, your only and eternal Son, to share our human nature, to live and die as one of us, to reconcile us to you, the God and Creator of all.

People He stretched out his arms upon the cross, and offered himself, in obedience to your will, a perfect sacrifice for the whole world.

Celebrant On the night he was handed over to suffering and death, our Lord Jesus Christ took bread;

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and when he had given thanks to you, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, and said, “Take, eat: This is my Body, which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.”

After supper he took the cup of wine; and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and said, “Drink this, all of you: This is my Blood of the new Covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me.”

People Therefore we proclaim the mystery of faith:

Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.

Celebrant We celebrate the memorial of our redemption in this sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving. Recalling his death, resurrection, and ascension, we offer you these gifts. Sanctify them by your Holy Spirit to be for your people the Body and Blood of your Son, the holy food and drink of new and unending life in him.

People Sanctify us also that we may faithfully receive this holy Sacrament, and serve you in unity, constancy, and peace; and at the last day bring us with all your saints into the joy of your eternal kingdom.

Celebrant All this we ask through your Son Jesus Christ: By him, and with him, and in him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit all honor and glory is yours, now and for ever. AMEN.

And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to say,

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses,

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as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

The Breaking of the Bread

Celebrant The Gifts of God for the People of God. Holy Food for Holy People.

Gluten-free Communion Option

St. Mary’s offers a gluten-free communion option, using rice crackers and wine that have been stored separately.

They are available on the pulpit side (the right side as you are facing the altar), so please join the right-hand line for communion. Please inform the priest of your gluten-free needs. You may take a rice cracker directly from the bowl or simply open your palm to receive it.

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Words and Music: Daniel L. Schutte. ©1981, Daniel L. Schutte; and New Dawn Music, 5536 NE Hassalo, Portland, OR 97213. All rights reserved. Used by permission.

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Post Communion Prayer Please stand or kneel as you are able.

Celebrant Let us pray. People Almighty and everliving God,

we thank you for feeding us with the spiritual food of the most precious Body and Blood of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ; and for assuring us in these holy mysteries that we are living members of the Body of your Son, and heirs of your eternal kingdom. And now, Father, send us out to do the work you have given us to do, to love and serve you as faithful witnesses of Christ our Lord. To him, to you, and to the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.

Prayers and Blessings Come up if you’ve got a birthday, anniversary, transition, concern or thanksgiving to share.

Final Blessing

All Life is short, and we haven’t much time to gladden the hearts of those who travel with us along the way. So, be quick to love, make haste to be kind, and the blessing of God goes with us.

(adapted from 19th cent. Swiss philosopher Henri Amiel)

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Parting Hymn O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing Hymnal 493, v. 1-4,6

Words: Charles Wesley (1707-1788), alt. Music: Azmon, Carl Gotthilf Gläser (1784-1829); adapt. and arr. Lowell Mason (1792-1872).

Dismissal

Deacon The Deacon says the words of dismissal. People Thanks be to God. Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

Postlude Trumpet Processional in D Martha Sobaje

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August 29: Dining on Thursdays

Take a Thursday off from cooking!

ALL are welcome to take a Thursday off from cooking and enjoy the company of others for a couple of hours. Gather from 6:00–6:30 PM. Eating begins at 6:30 PM. Please RSVP to the host by the Tuesday before the dinner. If you would like to host and your name is not on the list below, contact someone who is on twice and offer to take one of their dates. Or, call someone who does not have a co-host listed and offer to bring an hors d’oeuvre or dessert to help out. Locations and host info for the next dinners (stay tuned to the weekly Email News and Sunday bulletins, as hosts may change):

August 29. Host: Julie Thomas, 602 Cromwell, St Paul. RSVP to 651-645-2067 or julieandcats@earthlink.net.

September 2: Men’s Group

The St. Mary’s Men’s Group meets on first Tuesdays of the month at O’Gara’s.

Sept. 4 and 11: Safeguarding God’s People Safe Church training (dealing with awareness and prevention of sexual exploitation and harassment) will be provided on two consecutive Wednesdays, September 4 and 11, from 6:30-8:00 PM.

The September 4 session will deal with Children and Youth Ministry. The September 11 session will deal with Adult Ministries. Both will be presented by Rex McKee in the St. Mary’s Room.

Who should take this training? Everyone is welcome to take it and many people are required to take it—church leaders; those who work (paid or volunteer) with children and youth, even if it is only a few times per

year; anyone with a key to the building. For details, consult the September issue of Fishtales or ask Rex. If you are required to take training, and it has been more than five years since you did so, you must take the it again.

Rex will also be present these training at Gethsemane Episcopal Church in Minneapolis. The Safe Church Children and Youth Ministry will be on September 7 at 10:00 AM and the Adult Ministry on October 5 at 10:00 AM.

September 15: Rally Day

September 22: Sunday School Begins

Coffee Hour Delights!

We’re back! It’s time to get back into familiar routines, and an important one at St. Mary’s is Coffee Hour.

We assign members to teams and once every eight weeks your team brings treats for the coffee hours after the 9:00 and 10:30 AM services. We rotate leadership for the teams each time so no one has to do all the work all the time.

If you’re wondering when your team is on, go to saintmarysepiscopal.org. Click on the tab for “In the Neighborhood” then on “Coffee Hour Teams.” You will find a schedule through October 27, along with instructions for hosting, just in case you’re new to a team or you’ve been at the lake too long! The upcoming team is listed on the back of the bulletin, and there will always be the reminder via the church’s Constant Contact email account the week your team is up.

Saint Mary’s Announcements

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This is an important community-building ministry at St. Mary’s and a great way to meet new friends. So, dust off those baking pans or look for weekly specials in the store. Your contribution is key to the success of this ministry! Thank you! —Ginny Deluca, Hospitality Chair

Missed a Sermon? Get the Podcast!

Want to pass that great sermon along for a friend to hear? Subscribe to our “St. Mary’s Episcopal Church” podcasted sermons. St. Mary’s produces a weekly podcast of sermons called Sermons for the Soul. The podcast can be accessed through Apple’s iTunes or your favorite podcast aggregator.

Get podcast with iTunes. These are usually available early Sunday afternoons, or go by RSS feed at saintmarysepiscopal.org/feed/podcast. These are usually available by Monday. (This URL may not work with the Chrome browser. It does work with IE, Safari, and Firefox.)

Directory Update Time!

Calling all seasoned members and new members, please send Jessica updates to your contact information by Monday, August 26 for inclusion in the 2013-2014 member directory!* If you have a new phone number, e-mail address, or mailing address, send it to jessica@ saintmarysepiscopal.org or leave a note on

the church office desk. And, you’re all looking more dapper than ever since our last directory! Email your new, crisp, and zoomed-in photo of your lovely face(s) to jessica@saintmarys episcopal.org. Xie-Xie ni! (Thank you!)

Our member directory is a private document for the members of St. Mary’s. It is not intended to be distributed at large, nor to have names and contact information shared without the expressed written consent of the member. Also, note that at St. Mary’s we do not publish the last names of our children, to protect their safety.

Thank You For Wearing Your Name Tag!

We like to think of ourselves as welcoming to newcomers, but there is one very important way of welcoming newcomers that we sometimes forget about: wearing our nametags.

And it’s not only for newcomers. Some people take longer than others to learn people’s names. Although true prosopagnosia (“face blindness”) is rare, recognizing faces doesn’t come equally easily to everybody. Some people, including those who are hard of hearing, may need to see a name printed out to be able to remember it. For others, being able to greet someone by name at the Peace can be a great help in learning their name. Thanks for wearing your name tag!

Saint Mary’s Announcements

St. Mary’s Weekly E-newsletter: tinyurl.com/6vsd4xf.

Weekly News of the Episcopal Church in Minnesota: tinyurl.com/cw3sq5n.

St. Mary’s Mornings, a daily gift of wisdom, scripture, or prayer: email rex.mckee@gmail.com and ask to be added to the list.

Keep in Touch!

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Sun rises

Dear Friends,

In the gift of this day never given before, may we be open to new beginnings.

In the gift of this day of work and creativity, may our eyes be open to new ways of seeing.

In the gift of this day of play and rest, may our hearts be open to laughter and stillness.

I was blessed this summer to begin many of my days with this prayer from theologian, writer, poet, and friend John Philip Newell.

Some mornings, it was watching the sun rise over the mountains to bring a shimmer to the lake.

Some mornings, it was watching the sun rise over the pine trees that made the dew in the pasture glimmer.

Some mornings, it was watching the sun rise over hills that lit up the fields as far as the eye could see.

My hope is that you have found time and a place to watch the sun rise this summer—and that it opened your heart, mind and soul to the wonder of all that God has created and is creating.

Without Question, God’s Beloved

Dear Friends,

Last week as my sons tightly embraced during the closing service of high school church camp, I was filled with emotions. The hugging brothers, as well as their watching parents, were well aware that this was a culminating life moment: the closing service and sending-forth ceremony for the graduates.

This was their last year of high school church camp.

Both of our boys have spent their summers, and many other seasons, from their earliest days of life at camp. They have been the director's kids, campers, and counselors. Their time

at camp has shaped them and molded them like no other place or experience. It is unquestionably their spiritual home, and on this particular day it was also unequivocally clear that camp has been a place of deep spiritual transformation for them.

From their first breaths, I wanted nothing more for our boys than for them to experience the life-changing transformation

The Bishop’s Blog, August 13 and 20, 2013

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that took place at camp for both Staci and me. I wished for them to fully embrace that they are God's beloved, created in the image of God, uniquely gifted, and called to use

those gifts in the world. This closing service—and much of what they shared leading up to it—unquestionably affirmed this for me.

It is this that I hope and pray for all of God's children: that all know without question that they are God's beloved.

For that is where transformation begins.

Such experiences, of course, don't just happen at camp. The real hope is that it is taking place in all our faith communities: those places that nurture and support us to

discern our God-given gifts, equip us to use our gifts, and then send us forth to use our gifts to meet the world's needs. Transformation takes place. The kingdom of God comes near.

May we all continue to provide a space for all God's children to know they are beloved . . . and to be transformed.

Blessings,

+Brian

Bishop Prior Announces New Staff Appointment

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Libby Turner-Opanga as Missioner for Administration. Libby has a broad and diverse range of experience in nonprofits, most recently in social services.

"I bring maturity, discretion, superior management, board support and organizational skills," says Turner-

Opanga. Her experience in executive support and office management, volunteer coordination, and event planning has been in a variety of fields: churches, social and human services, community development, legal advocacy, youth services, and the arts.

We would be remiss in ignoring the other way she has experience in the arts: as a well-known and accomplished musician, performing around the world and winning not one but two Grammys with the vocal ensemble Sounds of Blackness. Talk about bringing your gifts to meet the world's needs!

Please join us in welcoming this new valued member to your team of Missioners.

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Outreach Committee: Supporting Education Locally and Globally

Locally, St. Mary’s is once again joining with the St. Paul Area Council of Churches (SPACC) to support School Tools, a project to distribute school supplies to about 10 programs/agencies in our area. We are participating through donations of NEW school supplies for elementary, middle, and high school students. Our collection continues through August 25.

There is a special need for: backpacks 3-ring binders and Trapper Keepers calculators pocket dictionaries facial tissue (boxed or individual packs) spiral notebooks (wide-ruled)

Other needed supplies: notebooks (narrow-ruled) composition notebooks science calculators pencils and pens erasable pens markers and highlighters folders Erasers and rulers glue sticks and bottles loose-leaf paper (both narrow and wide) scissors crayons (large and regular size) poster boards watercolor paints

Itemized lists to assist you in shopping are available near the poster and drop-off box located in the foyer.

Checks may be made to SPACC with “School Tools” on the memo line. You may place your

check in the offering plate and it will be credited to SPACC. Please help us give homeless and low-income children tools they need to flourish in school!

Globally, St. Mary’s has joined with St. James on the Parkway and other groups to support the Bonne Nouvelle School in Bigonet, Haiti. St. James and the Parish of Bonne Nouvelle have been building a friendship and partnership for four years now.

Because education is not freely available for all students in Haiti, the community has decided to invest in making school affordable and available to local children. In January, St. Mary’s hosted an evening of dinner and conversation with four educators from Bonne Nouvelle. They shared the joys and challenges of educating more than 300 students from preschool through 10th grade, supporting the school when various disasters have disrupted the livelihoods of many local parents, and expanding to meet the needs of older students who have no other viable option for education.

For the second year, we at St. Mary’s have the opportunity to join their efforts to keep the teachers paid and the school available for all the community children. A small donation can go a long way: ten donations of $10 can educate a child in primary school for a whole year; ten donations of $20 will support a secondary student’s education for a year. Please join this remarkable partnership and offer your support to the students of Bonne Nouvelle. Please place your contributions in the box in the foyer.

Thank you, as always, for your support and generosity.

“Education is not the filling of a bucket, but the lighting of a fire.” William Butler Yeats

23

Margaret Thor has joined us this month. Here’s a letter of greeting and introduction from her.

Hello to all! A quick note to introduce myself! I’m Margaret Thor and I am in formation to become a deacon in the Episcopal Church. As part of that process, I am required to participate in an internship at a parish other than my home parish. LeeAnne Watkins and Rex McKee graciously volunteered their services and that of St. Mary’s to guide me in this part of my formation.

I am a “cradle Episcopalian,” having been baptized and confirmed in the Episcopal Church. I’m also an Air Force “brat”; I went to many different Episcopal churches around the country. I attended high school and college in northern California. I’m a UC Davis graduate with a degree in Psychology.

My husband Eric and I met in California, were married in an Episcopal church in the San Jose area, and moved to Minnesota in 1989 so that he could attend graduate school at the U of M. I work fulltime for the IRS and was able to transfer from the San Jose office to the St. Paul office. I manage a group of examiners in the Brooklyn Center office.

We joined Resurrection Episcopal Church in Spring Lake Park. When it closed in 2004, we joined St. John in the Wilderness in White Bear

Lake. We live in Arden Hills. Caryn and Peter were both confirmed at St. John’s. Caryn graduated in December 2012 from UW and is

currently traveling in Europe after working seven months in DC. Peter is entering his second year at the “U” in the College of Science and Engineering. We also have an old basset hound named Stuart. He has attended many pet blessings but is still

affectionately called our demon dog.

To save you from guessing, I’m 52. Eric and I celebrate our 25th anniversary in January.

I am very excited to be at St. Mary’s. My initial impressions indicate a warm and welcoming community willing to try new things. I’m anxious to learn more about the history and formation of the liturgy of the 9:00 service. I am also interested in all the missional opportunities you have here. It is a pleasure to be here now as part of your community.

I particularly enjoy working with youth and look forward to being part of the youth ministry at St. Mary’s. I hope to work on two TECs this fall. I will also be on the 2014 Mission Opportunity team, which will focus on resources for faith communities willing to reach out to school age youth in their neighborhoods. I’m a Lay Eucharistic Visitor, Lay Eucharistic Minister, lector and verger. I’ve also been a senior warden, treasurer and Christian Ed instructor. I volunteer two Friday mornings a month at Episcopal Homes. I look forward to getting to know you all during the next several months.

Meet our New Deacon-in-training!

Home Arden Hills

Email margaretcthor@gmail.com.

Spouse Eric

Adult(?) children

Caryn (22) and Peter (19)

Dog Stuart

Favorite drink good BLACK coffee—and, some mornings, preferably in an IV

Favorite food anything sweet and certainly not too healthy

24

7:45 AM Reader: Jim Pfau

10:30 AM Verger: Barb Turino Chalice: George Green, __________

Ushers: Mike Brown, Leslie Winter Intercessor: Mike Brown First Reader: Giulia D. Second Reader: Jim Deluca Greeters: John and Toni Erickson Acolyte: Jamie W.

Assisting with Services Today

StMR = Saint Mary’s Room

Sunday, August 25 Coffee Team 4

7:45–8:30 AM Chapel Worship

8:00–9:00 AM Choir Rm Worship Band Rehearsal

9:00–10:00 AM Sanctuary Worship

9:45–10:30 AM StMR Coffee Hour

10:30–11:30 AM Sanctuary Worship

11:30 AM StMR Coffee Hour

Monday, August 26 7:00–9:00 PM StMR Living at Home/Block Nurse 9:00 PM E-Weekly News deadline; send items to Rex.Mckee@gmail.com

Tuesday, August 27

8:00–9:30 AM Courtyard Staff Meeting

Noon Bulletin Announcements due; send to bulletin@saintmarysepiscopal.org 7:00-9:00 PM StMR Vestry

8:00–8:30 PM Breadsmith Bread Pick-up

Wednesday, August 28 10:00 AM–2 PM Dept. of Indian Work Bread Delivery 7:30–8:45 PM StMR Adult Children of Alcoholics

Thursday, August 29 6:00–8:30 PM Details, p. 22 Dining on Thursdays 7:30–9:30 PM Undercroft Men’s AA group

Friday, August 23 No Events Scheduled

Saturday, August 24 No Events Scheduled

Sunday, September 1 Labor Day Weekend Coffee Team 5 7:45–8:30 AM Chapel Worship

8:00–9:00 AM Choir Rm Worship Band Rehearsal

9:00–10:00 AM Sanctuary Worship

9:45–10:30 AM StMR Coffee Hour 10:00–10:30 AM 12-minute Liturgy Discussion

StMR couch area

10:30–11:30 AM Sanctuary Worship

11:30 AM StMR Coffee Hour

Saint Mary’s Staff

The Reverend LeeAnne Watkins, Rector rector@saintmarysepiscopal.org The Reverend Rex McKee, Deacon rex.mckee@gmail.com Bjorn Gustafson, Music Director (10:30 AM) musicdirector@saintmarysepiscopal.org Conie Borchardt, Music Director (9:00 AM) conie@saintmarysepiscopal.org MiaLisa McFarland, Youth and Children Minister mia@saintmarysepiscopal.org Jessica Huang, Volunteer and Communications Coordinator jessica@saintmarysepiscopal.org Margaret Thor, Deacon-in-training margaretcthor@gmail.com Bulletin Announcements (due Tuesday noon) bulletin@saintmarysepiscopal.org Joanne Hodgeman, Nursery Attendant joanne.hodgeman@redcross.org David Wischnewski, Sexton david@saintmarysepiscopal.org Lourdes Mendez, Cleaning Staff kjms.cleaning@gmail.com

This Week at St. Mary’s

St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, A part of the worldwide Anglican Communion

1895 Laurel Avenue St. Paul, MN 55104-5998 651.646.6175 www.saintmarysepiscopal.org