Sunday is the start of October – I cannot believe that we are so far into the year. Sunday is also our annual Pledge Sunday, so please bring your pledge cards with you. We start our budgeting process after we receive our pledges because our pledges make up over 90% of our income for the year. Costs are rising, but I am grateful for your support as we continue to work together in joy and ministry.
Our calendar has all kinds of events. On Saturday, October 7 we are joining St. Francis, Menomonee Falls for their Pet Blessing, and we are also sending volunteers to the Gathering at Ascension Lutheran Church.
St. Mary’s is welcoming the wider community to Prayers & Picnic on the Prairie on Sunday, October 8 at 9 a.m. There is a sign up for the potluck as well as to help with set up in the Parish Hall. I hope you will join us, and bring your friends and family as we bless the prairieland and celebrate the natural beauty of Wisconsin.
Last year we had three talks about planning for the future, and this year we have three new classes. Isabella Faccidomo, a nursing student at Herzing University will be presenting on Monday, October 9 at 6 p.m. Her talk is entitled “The Hills and Valleys: Mental Health Presentation.” The following two weeks (October 16 and 23) we will have some financial experts to offer their thoughts on planning for retirement, using minimum required distributions and otherwise making smart choices with your resources. More details to come.
In addition, we have returned to our program year schedule with: Centering Prayer in the Chapel at 5 p.m. on Mondays; Morning Prayer and Eucharist in the Chapel at 9 a.m. on Wednesdays; a Living Compass discussion in the Chapel at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesdays; Seated Exercise in the Parish Hall at 11 a.m. on Thursdays; and Choir in the Chapel at 7 p.m. on Thursdays. We also have monthly options including: Prayer Shawl Ministry in the Narthex at 10 a.m. on Second Saturdays; and Homebrewed Faith Discussion Group at Rosati’s at 7 p.m. on last Wednesdays.
There are more things coming, including hikes, crafts and special worship services. Thank you! It is you who makes St. Mary’s existence a reality. Your volunteering, attendance, prayers and support make us who we are. We do not worship in isolation, so thank you for being a part of this community!
Prayers and Blessings,
Mother Pippa