Rector’s Blog

Time goes by in fits and starts. One of my favorite podcasters likes to say “the days are long, but the years are short,” and I feel that is particularly true at the moment. I had a lovely time on vacation, and then jumped back in right before the Annual Meeting. Just in case you

September is finally here and I am back with you all. I wrote this before going on vacation, but I hopefully had a lovely time away and now am delighted to be back with you all. September kicks off any number of events, beginning with the Annual Meeting. Next Sunday, September 8, we will have

This Sunday Father Ryan has graciously agreed to preach and preside at St. Mary’s. I feel so grateful and privileged to have Father Ryan at St. Mary’s, and hope you all have a wonderful Sunday service together. This coming Saturday (August 31) we have a kayak outing at 9 a.m. and movie night at 5:30

What a joy to welcome Father Scott back to St. Mary’s this Sunday! I am so grateful that Father Scott was able to come preach and preside. As the Canon to the Ordinary, Father Scott travels all over the Diocese, and it is always such a pleasure to have him back at St. Mary’s. I

Weather permitting, this Sunday is our last outdoor service at 10 a.m. I hope we will be able to worship by the river. Last Sunday at 8 a.m. we were able to admire the prairieland, river and trees while worshiping God. St. Mary’s is blessed not only with beautiful nature, but also with dedicated volunteers

Thank you to everyone who helped St. Mary’s participate in Derby Days this year! We sold over 400 root beer floats in our first foray into being a Derby Days vendor. Minus our expenses, that means that we raised $1631.84. Thank you! We are now in August, looking towards the return of school. Outreach is

We are getting new roofs! This spring, Father Ryan noticed that our roofs were damaged from hail, and worked with the insurance company to secure a $117,385 payment which would cover the tear off and replacement of a shingle roof. This roof would likely last 15-20 years. Thanks to the work of Father Ryan and

One of the joys of being in a church community is celebrating the joys of the congregation. This Sunday we celebrate the joy of Father Ryan’s ordination to the priesthood. After years of prayer and discernment, Father Ryan is living out God’s call to him. I am delighted that we are able to celebrate this

The numbers are in, and at Strawberry Fest we raised $11,982.85! Last year we had perfect weather and netted $13k, so this was a truly incredible year. Thank you all for your hard work! Particular thanks to John and Tom for leading such an amazing effort. If you are leading a ministry, you hopefully received

Well, much like the motto of the US Postal Service, it takes more than rain, wind and clouds to keep St. Mary’s from celebrating Strawberry Fest! Despite the challenges of the weather, it was a lovely celebration, full of fun, food and friends. I had great fun in the dunk tank (and greater fun getting