Welcome to St. Mary’s! Wherever you are on your journey with or towards God, everyone is welcome. Truly, everyone.
St. Mary’s began worshipping in the mid-1800s on the upper floor of the carriage house just to the west of the current church. In 1870 we built our chapel and opened our iconic red doors. In 2010 we outgrew the chapel and built our current building.
In 2004, the St. Mary’s Vestry adopted a mission statement: “St. Mary’s Church invites and welcomes all people to experience the new life promised in the Gospels. We celebrate faith in Jesus Christ through worship, support of one another, and service to others.” Since I arrived in 2019, I have been struck by how faithfully St. Mary’s adheres to this mission. As people participate in worship, fellowship, outreach and formation, I see people coming together to follow Jesus with faith, hope and love.
Outreach at St. Mary’s is a key part of our ministry, and we currently have three opportunities to “support one another, and [be of] service to others.”
We are collecting gifts for the youth at the Lad Lake, a school that aims to “guide the growth of at-risk youth and their families in order that they reach their potential and live responsibly.” We have the items requested hanging on our Christmas tree, and ask that people take an ornament or two and return the purchased gift to the Narthex.
We are also selling ornaments to raise funds for the Hospitality Center in Racine. This program works with people to provide a daily hot meal, clothing, and other support. You can purchase an ornament for a donation (each one lists a suggested amount).
Finally, on December 17 we head to the Gathering to serve a hot meal at 3421 W Lisbon Ave, Milwaukee. If you are interested, please sign up in the Parish Hall.
After the service, I hope you will head over to join us for Coffee Hour in the Parish Hall. It has often been joked that in addition to the seven sacraments (baptism, communion, confirmation, confession, marriage, ordination and prayers for the sick) the Episcopal Church adds coffee as the eighth sacrament. All are welcome to join us for fellowship and delicious treats following both services.
Thank you for joining us this week, prayers and blessings,
Mother Pippa