welcome to st. mary’s episcopal church

Welcome to

St. Mary’s Episcopal Church Where Word and Sacrament come together

in celebration and service

JESUS CHRIST, HEAD OF THE CHURCH

The First Sunday of Advent Saturday, November 27, 5 PM

Sunday, November 28, 10 AM

RITE II

9801 Bonita Beach Road

P.O. Box 1923 Bonita Springs, FL 34133

Church Office: (239) 992-4343

[email protected]

www.stmarysbonita.org

www.facebook.com/stmarysbonita

Power of Prayer Ministry

[email protected]

PennyWise Thrift Shop (239) 947-3363 Tues—Sat 10—3 PM

Safety Measures: As a result of the COVID-19 cases we have implemented the following guidelines until further notice: Masking is highly encouraged and recommended in the church and PennyWise. Admittance to the church office and Parish Hall requires the wearing of masks.

mailto:[email protected]

https://www.stmarysbonita.org/

https://www.facebook.com/stmarysbonita/

mailto:powerofprayer@

2 The First Sunday of Advent

Insights Into the Liturgy David Bergquist

THE LITURGICAL CALENDAR: Christ’s Life Annually Shaped Advent begins the Church’s new liturgical calendar year and initiates our progress through it

from season to season in like manner with several other denominations encompassing much of

the Christian world. This aspect of our Anglican/Episcopal heritage is of enormous significance

but, regrettably, not well understood or even appreciated by those of us who rely on it from year

to year for the growth, nurture, and well-being of our faith and spirituality. The antecedents for

such a calendar stem directly from the Apostles’ and the Early Church’s adaptation from the

Jewish worship tradition of using readings from scripture pertaining to specific feasts that shaped

their history as the chosen people of God. In other words, the Apostles read passages from the

Old Testament which were fulfilled by Christ in what became the New Testament, thereby

witnessing to Jesus as the Messiah. Consequently the pivotal and most significant events in Jesus’

life, namely Christmas and Easter, are the axes around which the seasons of the liturgical

calendar turn: Advent, Christmastide, Epiphany, Lent, Eastertide, Pentecost. Therefore, and

essential to our grasp of the liturgical calendar is that it is the life of Christ that shapes it.

Of the two, and because it is a movable feast, Easter is more influential than Christmas in setting

and shaping the liturgical calendar. To quote from the Episcopal Glossary: “Easter is the first

Sunday after the full moon that falls on or after March 21st. The sequence of all Sundays in the

church year is based on the date of Easter. Tables and rules for finding the date of Easter Day, and

other movable feasts and holy days are provided by the Book of Common Prayer, pages 880-885.”

(The dates for Easter Day are already determined out to the year 2089!) It is also important to

point out that the three year cycle of Holy Scripture laid out in the Lectionary is also dependent on

the observance of the seasons of the liturgical calendar. Therefore, there is a harmony in the

interrelationship between the seasons of liturgical calendar, the readings from the lectionary of

Holy Scripture, and the Liturgy of the Word in our worship experience, be it the Mass or the

Daily Office; all shaped by the events of the life of Christ.

Was this important and meaningful? To quote noted Christian author, Dr. Scott Hahn: “…the

events of Christ’s life pass over into the mysteries, were they are continued in the lives of the

believers.” In other words, when after his atoning sacrifice on the Cross for our salvation, and his

ascension into Heaven, with the coming of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost, Christ did not abandon

the Earth but made it possible for himself to be everywhere and for all time through us. He is

present through his Mystical Body, the Church. He is present in the sacraments. He is present in

the Liturgy of the Word. He is present through the power of the Holy Spirit. And we are not only

reminded of this but equipped as well, year ofter year, season after season through the liturgical

calendar to which Christ’s life gives shape. May this new church year bring great hope and joy to

you and St. Mary’s parish.

The First Sunday of Advent 3

THE SEASON OF ADVENT

calls us to prepare to celebrate Christ’s coming to Bethlehem, in glory, and into our lives. The use of purple vestments indicates the mood of prayerful preparation. During this season we will omit the Gloria in Excelsis from the Eucharist.

In Rite II, we will use Eucharistic Prayer B

.

The Advent Wreath expresses our longing for the Light of Christ to come to us.

Gathering of The People

Prélude: Fugue in C Major George Friedrich Handel Wachet Auf Johann Gottfried Walther

Blessing of Advent Wreath and lighting of the first candle.

Blessing the wreath

Youth Minister: Let us pray.

Lord Jesus Christ, you are the true light that gives light to everyone who comes into the world: Bless this wreath and its candles which we shall light in preparation for your coming and enkindle our hearts with the fire of your love that we may receive you with joy and always stand firm in the faith; who lives and reigns with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God now and forever. Amen

Youth Group: The first candle of the Advent Wreath is for the prophet Isaiah, who foretold the coming of the Savior more than 700 years before Christ was born. This is the CANDLE OF PROPHECY which tells of the time of waiting as we look forward to the Light which is coming into the world.

Youth Minister: Let us pray.

All: Heavenly Father drive away all darkness within us with the shining light of your son; help us to welcome him with joy. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen


When the bell rings, please stand. Opening Hymn “Sleepers, wake!” A voice astounds us Hymnal 61


Opening Acclamation

Celebrant: Blessed be God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit

People: And blessed be his kingdom, now and forever. Amen


Collect for Purity Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Kyrie S 96


The Liturgy of the Word

Collect of the Day Celebrant: The Lord be with you. People: And also with you. Celebrant: Let us pray. Please be seated. Almighty God, give us grace to cast away the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light, now in the time of this mortal life in which your Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. Jeremiah 33:14-16

Lector: A reading from Jeremiah The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah. In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David; and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety. And this is the name by which it will be called: “The Lord is our righteousness.”

Lector: The Word of the Lord. People: Thanks be to God.

Psalm 25:1-10 (All sing) S 410

To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul;

my God, I put my trust in/ you; * let me not be humiliated, nor let my enemies triumph/ over me.

Let none who look to you be put to/ shame; * let the treacherous be disappointed in their/ schemes.

Show me your ways, O/ Lord, * and teach me your/ paths.

Lead me in your truth and/ teach me, * for you are the God of my salvation; in you have I trusted all the day/ long.


Remember, O Lord, your compassion and/ love, * for they are from ever/lasting.

Remember not the sins of my youth and my/ transgressions; * remember me according to your love and for the sake of your goodness, O/ Lord.

Gracious and upright is the/ Lord; * therefore he teaches sinners in his/ way.

He guides the humble in doing/ right *

and teaches his way to the/ lowly.

All the paths of the Lord are love and/ faithfulness * to those who keep his covenant and his /testimonies.

For your Name’s sake, O/ Lord, * forgive my sin, for it is/ great.

Thessalonians 3:9-13

Lector: A reading from 1 Thessalonians How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy that we feel before our God because of you? Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you face to face and restore whatever is lacking in your faith.

Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus direct our way to you. And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, just as we abound in love for you. And may he so strengthen your hearts in holiness that you may be blameless before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints. Lector: The Word of the Lord. People: Thanks be to God. (Please stand) Gospel Acclamation Tone VIII-g Schola

Congregation

Schola: Lord, show us your love; and grant us your salvation. Congregation


Deacon: The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke People: Glory to you, Lord Christ. Luke 21:25-36

“There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on the earth distress among nations

confused by the roaring of the sea and the waves. People will faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see ‘the Son of Man coming in a cloud’ with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” Then he told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees; as soon as they sprout leaves you can see for yourselves and know that summer is already near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. 32Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all things have taken place. 33Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. 34“Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life, and that day catch you unexpectedly, 35like a trap. For it will come upon all who live on the face of the whole earth. 36Be alert at all times, praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.” Deacon: The Gospel of the Lord. People: Praise to you, Lord Christ.

Homily (Please be seated) Father Wright

The Nicene Creed (Please stand) Deacon: Let us affirm our faith as expressed in the Nicene Creed.

We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father,

God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one being with the Father. Through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation

he came down from heaven: by the power of the Holy Spirit he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary, and was made man. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.


He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son. With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified. He has spoken through the Prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen. Prayers of the People.

Deacon: As the church worldwide celebrates the beginning of its New Year, let us turn our minds and hearts to the larger community of which we are a part, saying: Hear our prayer, O Lord, and grant us mercy.

Lector: For all peoples of every race, nation and disposition: May your love so embrace us all, that its power overcomes our conflicts, our defenses, and our fears. Quicken us to our true nature as your children that we may love one another. Lord, hear our prayer.

For all the churches of the world, Orthodox, Catholic, Protestant, and Pentecostal: May we grow together in our understanding of mission, that we may be strengthened in unity and united in acts of service. Call us to the one discipleship with its many gifts. Lord, hear our prayer.

For all Christian communities, young and growing in Africa, aging and changing in North America: Renew our vision and experience of Christian community as ever birthing, ever transforming, ever young and open to risk, ever old and full of wisdom. Lord, hear our prayer.

For those who live in fear and confusion: Whether they be stateless people in refugee camps, or settled people hidden behind high fences, give to the vulnerable strength, and to the secure vulnerability, that our human compassion for one another may end injustice and give our societies a human face. Lord, hear our prayer.

For this community, especially for those who suffer most, for the emotionally and physically ill, for the dying, for those who grieve: May we all, out of our own suffering, give comfort and support. Lord, hear our prayer.

For the larger community around us, especially for the newborn children, the homeless, and the imprisoned: May we create a world where shelter, food and medical care are available for all and where the law protect people for a better chance and better choices. Lord, hear our prayer. Celebrant: On this first day of the year, we gather up our prayers and offer them to you, O Lord, knowing full well that there are signs in the sun and moon and stars and in the common events of ordinary life that call us to attend to your coming. Prepare us for the time of trial and for our dominion, coming now and at the close of this age.


Prayer of Confession BCP 360

Deacon: Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.

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.

Absolution: Celebrant: Almighty God have mercy on you, forgive you all your sins through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen you in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. Amen. Peace (Please stand) Celebrant: The peace of the Lord be always with you. People: And also with you.

Announcements (Please be seated)

During Holy Communion as the ushers guide from the front pews to the back, please observe social distancing. After you have received the host, return by the side aisle.


Liturgy of Communion Offertory Music: Anthem Hark! A thrilling voice is sounding Eric H. Thiman

At the presentation all stand and sing: “Take my life, and let it be consecrated” Hymnal 707

The Eucharistic Prayer B 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 him thanks and praise.


The Celebrant continues:

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

Because you sent your beloved Son to redeem us from sin and death, and to make us heirs to him of everlasting life; that when he shall come again in power and great triumph to judge the world, we may without shame or fear rejoice to behold his appearing.

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: Celebrant and People Sanctus S 130


Prayer of Consecration (The people stand or kneel)

We give thanks to you, O God, for the goodness and love which you have made known to us in creation; in the calling of Israel to be your people; in your Word spoken through the prophets; and above all in the Word made flesh, Jesus, your Son. For in these last days you sent him to be incarnate from the Virgin Mary, to be the Savior and Redeemer of the world. In him, you have delivered us from evil, and made us worthy to stand before you. In him, you have brought us out of error into truth, out of sin into righteousness, out of death into life.


On the night before he died for us, our Lord Jesus Christ took bread; 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.”

Therefore, according to his command, O Father,

Celebrant and People:

We remember his death,

We proclaim his resurrection,

We await his coming in glory; .

And we offer our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving to you, O Lord of all; presenting to you, from your creation, this bread and this wine.

We pray you, gracious God, to send your Holy Spirit upon these gifts that they may be the Sacrament of the Body of Christ and his Blood of the new Covenant. Unite us to your Son in his sacrifice, that we may be acceptable through him, being sanctified by the Holy Spirit. In the fullness of time, put all things in subjection under your Christ, and bring us to that heavenly country where, with the blessed Virgin Mary, St. Joseph and all your saints, we may enter the everlasting heritage of your sons and daughters; through Jesus Christ our Lord, the firstborn of all creation, the head of the Church, and the author of our salvation.

By him, and with him, and in him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit all honor and glory is yours, Almighty Father, now and for ever.

S 147


The Lord’s Prayer S 119 Celebrant: And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to sing,

The Breaking of the Bread (A period of silence is kept.)

Celebrant: Alleluia, Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us;

People: Therefore let us keep the feast, Alleluia


Agnus Dei: S 163

Invitation Celebrant: The Gifts of God for the People of God.

Prayers of Spiritual Communion Deacon: For those who are unable to be present with us to partake of the Eucharist feast, we invite you to make your spiritual communion.

Communion of the Faithful (For those present in church, Holy Communion will be administered in one kind only)


Communion Hymn “O come, O come, Emmanuel” Hymnal 56


Post Communion Prayer (Please stand) Celebrant: Let us pray.

Celebrant and People: Eternal God, heavenly Father, you have graciously accepted us as living members of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ, and you have fed us with spiritual food in the Sacrament of his Body and Blood. Send us now into the world in peace, and grant us strength and courage to love and serve you with gladness and singleness of heart; through Christ our Lord. Amen. Blessing Celebrant: And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit be with you always. Amen. Closing Hymn “Lo! He comes, with clouds descending” Hymnal 494


Dismissal

Deacon: Let us go forth into the world, rejoicing in the power of Spirit

People: Thanks be to God.

Postlude Voluntary VIII William Boyce Please keep respectful silence if you exit the church before the postlude is finished.

Saturday 5 PM

Celebrant and Preacher: The Rev’d. Ryan A, Wright

Crucifer: Paul Greene

Acolyte: Gayle Landen-Greene

Lector: Pam Stamper

Ushers: Bob Peffer, Diana Jamieson

Organist: William Elliott

Altar Guild for this week: Ginni Cesta, Sue Gilmore, Candy Bergquist, Cheryle Schlee

Sunday 10 AM

Celebrant: The Rev’d. Ryan Wright

Assistant Priest: The Rev’d Dr. D. William Faupel

Deacon: The Rev’d. William Gilmore

Crucifer: Dave Smith

Acolyte: Kathleen Palaia

Prayers of the People: Dave Smith

Torch Bearers: Kathleen Palaia, JOYceanna Rautio

Lector: Pam Stamper Annette Leahy-Judkins

Ushers: Bill Barnes, Billie Barnes

Organist: William Elliott

Special Intentions for the Prayers of the People This week we pray: In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer Pray for The Episcopal Anglican Diocese of Brazil, The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion)

Diocese of Southwest Florida — The Rt. Rev. Dabney T. Smith; Companion Diocese of the Dominican Republic; Companion Diocese of Georgia; Companion Diocese of South Carolina; Companion Diocese of Western Louisiana, St. Luke's, Fort Myers; St. Margaret of Scotland, Sarasota; St. Mark's, Marco Island; St. Mark's, Tampa; St. Mark's, Venice; St. Martin's, Hudson

• for a grace filled advent season.

• for the members of the pastoral care committee.

• for New Horizons and all the good work, they do.

• for the FGCU students and faculty.

• for the lee county sheriff deputies, especially in Bonita Springs.

• for all who work in the service industry especially food servers.

• for all missionaries and those who proclaim the gospel in the world remembering Francis Xavier, missionary to the far east, 1552.


• In thanksgiving for the presence of God in our lives each day.

• for those who suffer in mind, body, or spirit especially Kimberley, John, Otis, Helen Dieula and those on the Pastoral Care list.

• for the community of Waukesha, dear God please surround them with your love and healing spirit.

• for the Divine love and mercy to sanctify all souls departed: especially Patty Heazlitt.

• for all those serving in our Armed Forces especially: Barry Bassel, John Coffee, Patrick Cox, Brian Fuller, Brandon Hoekstra, Amos Kelley, Timothy Kull, Sean Lankford, Kevin Latimer, John Joseph Moore, Joseph Parini, Gabriel Parini, Erin Peterson, Scott Turner, Andrew Lankford, and for all chaplains on active deployment both at home and abroad.

OSL

Prayer Stations have resumed. Bring your prayers of praise, thanksgiving, intersession and remembrance to the prayer stations and OSL members will quietly pray with you. Teams will be available at each service. OSL members will be available at Prayer Stations at the usual locations immediately following the Dismissal. Please join us with your requests.

Notices for the week November 29 – December 5, 2021

Altar Flowers are given to the glory of God and in thanks for the clergy at St. Mary’s Church by Michel and Patricia Dabbar. Lady Chapel Flowers are given to the glory of God and in memory of my mother, Ruth Rossi, by Gayle Landen-Greene and Paul Greene.

Book Club with Mother Bobbie Parini, Monday at 12:00 PM: The Way of Forgiveness, Readings for A Peaceful Life. It is a collection of inspiring stories that foster healing for those seeking peace. Please join us via Zoom by emailing Hugh Blair for an invite [email protected].

Coffee Hour

Join us for Coffee Hour restarting today following the 10 am service.

We look forward to seeing you in the Parish Hall for coffee, tea, bottled water and light snacks. What a wonderful time to reconnect with our St. Mary's family.



Opportunities to Volunteer

PennyWise Needs Fall Volunteers: The open hours are 10 AM to 3 PM Tuesday through Saturday. If you have a morning or afternoon when you would be able to help, please contact Pam Stamper 239-284-6341.

Meals of Hope: The weekly distribution of food is in St. Mary’s parking lot every Monday between 3 PM - 5 PM. Volunteers are needed to help put the food into the cars. You can work on your own schedule. Any time you can volunteer will be gratefully accepted.

ECW Christmas Luncheon: Thursday, December 9, 2021, 12:00pm at Pelicans Nest Country Club 4450 Pelicans Nest Drive, Bonita Springs, Located in Pelican Landing. More details coming!

Wonderful Wednesday

December 1 Acts of the Apostles: The Prophet’s Movement

December 8 Learning of Jesus from Past and Present

Prayer partners are waiting for your prayers.

Any hour of the day or night, send in your prayer. Order of St. Luke prayer and care teams

have been trained to pray for all prayer requests. One team prays thirty days for friend and relative prayer request.

Another team prays, calls and visits St. Mary’s members in need of special care. Keep this PoP link in your address book: [email protected]

Click on this link and the prayer request go directly to Yolanda Naimoli who will send your request to the appropriate team.



The Church office will be closed on Monday, November 29 and reopen Tuesday, November 30.

Monday

Nov 29 12:00 PM Book Club (Zoom)

2:30 PM New Horizons

5:00 PM Evening Prayer

7:00 PM Healing Scriptures of Jesus (Zoom)

Tuesday

Nov 30 2:30 PM New Horizons

5:30 PM Holy Eucharist

8:00 PM AA Empathy Meeting

Wednesday

Dec 1 10:30 AM Bible Study (Zoom)

11:30 AM Share and Prayer in Chapel

12:00 PM Healing Eucharist

2: 30 PM New Horizons


7:00 PM Wonderful Wednesday

Thursday

Dec 2 7:30 AM Morning Prayer

8:30 AM Contemplative Prayer

2:00 PM OSL Seekers (Zoom)

2:30 PM New Horizons

3:00 PM Bentley Bible Study


Friday

Dec 3 5:00 PM Evening Prayer

Saturday

Dec 4 8:00 AM Advent Learning Day

5:00 PM Holy Eucharist Rite II

8:00 PM AA Group Meeting

Second Sunday of Advent

Dec 5 8:00 AM Holy Eucharist Rite I

10:00 AM Holy Eucharist Rite II

6:30 PM AA Group Meeting


Need a Priest? Your clergy are here to serve; please do not hesitate to ask if you need help by calling St. Mary’s Church 239-992-4343 or email [email protected] In an emergency after office hours, please call: Father Faupel at 859 552 3291 Messages are regularly checked on evenings and weekends

AA Meetings

Sunday: 6:30 PM AA Meeting

Tuesday: 8:00 PM AA Empathy Meeting

Thursday: 7:00 PM Florida Conference of Young People in AA (bi-weekly)

Saturday: 8:00 PM AA Group Meeting

Kindness for Kids 2021

The Holidays will soon be upon us as we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus. This week kicks off our annual Kindness for Kids program sponsored by the Outreach Commission! We have a new logo and a new name: “The St. Mary’s Kindness for Kids Program”. Thank you for your generosity for the 84 tags that have been taken. The program includes from the Baso Community served by Harvest Time, Our Mother’s Home, The New Beginnings, and After the Rain as well as the New Horizon Super Kids Club students. The deadline to return the unwrapped gifts is Sunday, December 5th. There will be designated bins in the narthex for week day drop offs prior to the 5th. If you prefer to donate cash that can be used to purchase gifts for tags that are not taken, you can do so by taking a donation envelope located next to the Christ Tree in the narthex. Please add “Kindness for Kids” to the memo on any checks to ensure proper allocation. Questions can be referred to Judy Hall ([email protected]).




St. Mary’s Library

You are also invited to peruse a beautiful collection of books, generously donated by Father Wright, that contain full-color photographs and text depicting art and architecture of significance in the Christian faith. We do ask, however, that you not remove them from the library, but rather peruse them there so that they are available to the greatest number of parishioners. Feel free to sit in the library in comfort and enjoy a background of classical and sacred music available for listening on our CD player.

A Plea from the Library

A recent inventory shows that 1245 books have been catalogued and put on the shelves in the library. A reading of the shelves shows that nearly 50 of these books are missing, that is, that they are not on the shelves and have not been signed out.

We ask your help in retrieving these books. If you have a book and are finished with it, please return it to the red box inside the library door so that it can be accounted for and reshelved. If you have a book and wish to keep it a bit longer, please sign it out on the clipboard by the library door so that we know where it is.

We will be grateful for your help so that we can expand and improve our collection with our limited library funds, rather than have to use them to replace missing books. Your inquiries and suggestions for new books are always welcome.

welcome to st. mary’s episcopal church

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