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St. Mary's Episcopal Church Welcomes You!
Weekly Notices
Blessing of the Animals
Commemoration of St. Francis of Assisi
Sunday, October 6, 2024, 10:30 a.m.
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Bring your pets to Mass on Sunday October 6 th for a celebration of this beloved saint.
Individual blessing will be available following the service.
Adult Formation
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This is a small group format providing a comprehensive experience in learning, in sharing, and in worship aiming to equip adults to develop their personal gifts for ministry. Since its beginning in 1975 in the Graduate School of Theology at the University of the
South, EfM has helped over 120,000 to enrich faith and understanding as it delves through four successive years -- Hebrew Scriptures, Christian Scriptures, Church History and the Modern Church. (These can be undertaken serially, or with pausing if needed.) EfM aims for everyday life to be enriched by a theological awareness -- to become thus more and more like our loving Savior.
An EfM group meets with a mentor and it needs to involve six enrollees at a minimum. A modest tuition fee is required, and scholarship assistance is available. It is desirable to commence not later than Labor Day, with a seasonal break for summer. Sessions are scheduled according to the availability of the participants, and are generally online by Zoom for about 2 hours. Occasionally, as feasible, in-person social or holiday celebrations will occur along with Feast Day breaks. General information is available at: http://theology.sewanee.edu/education-for-ministry.
At St. Mary's / Phoenix, the mentor is Cheak Yee ("check") who can be reached for more information either by telephone at +1 (623) 499-5859 or by email at twcy85323@yahoo.com. Having a bicultural background, his own ongoing studies equip him to share an unusually broad interdisciplinary approach involving political science, history, geography, demography, economics and philosophy with other excursions. Newly returned to his native Phoenix in 1986, Cheak enrolled in his first EfM sequence under Fr. Cornelis deRijk here, and his ongoing mentorship is a personal tribute to a priest who richly shaped a faith journey begun after adult conversion with Baptism at the Great Vigil of Easter in Chicago.
Tuesdays 6:00 p.m. by Zoom
Exploring the Gospel of John
Anglicanism places a strong emphasis on Scripture as a primary source of authority, and the Gospel of John is revered for its portrayal of the life, teachings, and redemptive work of Jesus. Its central theme of God's love and the call to faith resonates deeply with Anglican theology, highlighting the transformative power of God's grace. Anglican theologians and scholars engage with the Gospel of John in understanding of its profound teachings. Overall, the Gospel of John holds a cherished place in Anglicanism, guiding the faith, worship, and theological exploration of Anglicans around the world.
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Read more here. Everyone is welcome!
Children and Youth
Sunday School
Sundays 10:30 a.m.
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Lectionary-based Montessori-style learning and activities for children and youth are available during the Liturgy of the Word. Young people join the service during the Exchange of the Peace.
Diocesan Youth Day of Service
September 21 at 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
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Young people from throughout the diocese will gather at All Saint’s Episcopal Church in Phoenix for an afternoon of games, some service learning, a service project, worship, and food. For more information speak with Mrs. Boddy or the Rev. Canon Jana Sundin at jana@azdiocese.org Or to register go to: https://forms.gle/kabskzFrXBBi42Lo6
Outreach
Hydrate or Die :: Water for Those Who Are Homeless
The hot summer months can be deadly! And again, St. Mary';s People are working together in order to donate 750 (or more) cases of water to local community agencies working with homeless street people.
Bring in cases of water that you buy while grocery shopping—or you can donate to the "HoD Fund". Thank you for your generosity and support!
The Alms Fund :: Helping parishioners and others in immediate need
The number of people calling—or appearing at our doors—needing help with rent, water or electric or gas bills, food, auto repair, etc., has greatly increased since the height of the pandemic. These are tough times for many of us, and the Alms Fund is there to help...sometimes. You can help us help those who despair that their electricity will be cut off, or that they will be evicted, or that their children won't have the nourishment they need to grow and flourish, or they need a nice outfit in order to interview for a job, or...or...or...
You can help St. Mary's respond in ways Jesus commanded us to respond by donating to St. Mary's Alms Fund. Just write a check with a memo "Alms Fund," or if you make your donations electronically, you can designate an extra donation to St. Mary's with a similar memo. If you have any questions, feel free to contact our Parish Administrator, Karen Dura, at karen@stmarysphoenix.org
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Help us help St. Mary's People and many others in immediate need so they have time to seek longer term solutions.
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Thank you so very much!
The Larger Church
Sign Up for Diocesan News
The Episcopal Diocese of Arizona publishes a weekly email news letter—which includes thoughts about a variety of topics by Bishop Reddall—and a quarterly magazine. These are free to anyone in our congregation who wishes to receive them. All you have to do is sign up!
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Just enter azdiocese.org/newsletter/ in your web browser and follow the link. These are excellent ways to keep abreast of happenings around the diocese and the larger church.
Subscribe
Subscribe to our email list for once-a-week announcements, reflections, and news items from St. Mary's. It's a great way to stay in touch with what's happening around the parish!