THE MESSENGER News from our church community
December 2025
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life".
John 3:16
All are welcome here.
GREETINGS FROM FR. MICHAEL
Dear Friends in Christ, December invites us into one of the most beautiful and tender seasons of our church year: Advent. It is a season of waiting, of holy longing, of preparing room within ourselves for the Christ who comes to us again and again. In the midst of a world that feels hurried and loud, Advent asks us to slow down, to breathe, and to notice the quiet ways God is already drawing near - lighting candles in our darkness, whispering peace into our worry, stirring hope where we thought the ground was barren. As we enter this season of expectation, we also continue our annual pledge drive. Our ministries, worship, outreach, Christian formation, pastoral care, and community partnerships all rely on the shared commitment of our parish. Thank you to those who have already pledged. If you have not yet done so, I invite you to prayerfully consider how you can support the life and mission we nurture together. Your generosity - whatever the amount - helps us live more fully into the vision God has entrusted to us. As Christmas approaches, may the light of Christ find you wherever you are- whether in joy or weariness, in anticipation or uncertainty. May you know the love that took on flesh to dwell among us, the peace that surpasses understanding, and the hope that continues to rise even in the most unexpected places. In the love and peace of Christ,
WEEKEND SERVICES
SATURDAY 5:00 PM | HOLY EUCHARIST
SUNDAY 8:00 AM | HOLY EUCHARIST 10:00 AM | HOLY EUCHARIST
SUNDAY LIVE-STREAM LINK
Monthly Holy Eucharist at Heatherwood
Building dreams from his home workshop
Blessing of the Animals Russ with his beloved Arlo
Farewell Pastor Russ Russ has been a steadfast pastoral presence among us, faithful, wise, steady, and full of grace. His ministry has shaped this community in ways that will bless us for years to come. -Fr. Michael Horvath
Sharing fellow MIT grad, Alexander Theroux’s new book
“For me, Pastor Russ in his six years as our associate has exemplified the essence of St. Mary’s as a community in which faith, love, and action come alive. Russ has shown decisive leadership in Pastoral Care, the men’s group, and our commitment to environmental advocacy, among other activities. His sermons have led us to laugh, but also to think – deeply. And he has brought us a Lutheran viewpoint that is slightly different from but completely congruent with our Episcopalian beliefs, thus allowing all of us to expand our Christian understanding. Like many in our congregation, I’ll miss his presence, his spirituality, and his friendship.”- Peter Gwynne “Father Russ cares, gives and goes the extra mile for our Church Family. He is so approachable and kind! For years he has been there, steadfast in his beliefs and helping so many along the way. He will be missed!” - Carolyn Thomas We have been richly blessed by Pastor Russ’s gifts during this chapter of his ministry. As he now prepares to step back and enjoy a new season of retirement with his wife, Dixie, his daughter and grandchildren, we give thanks to God for the grace we have known through him. To honor Pastor Russ and express our appreciation, we will host a festive coffee hour in his honor after the 10 a.m. service on Sunday, Dec. 21. Additionally, we are gathering a purse collection as a token of our thanks. If you would like to contribute, you may drop off cash or checks made out to Russ Norris at the Parish Office.
After five retirements, six parishes, three interim positions, ministry leadership, professorships, and a 20-year model train avocation that spans the Pennsylvania countryside (and an entire room of his house), Pastor Russ bids farewell to St. Mary’s Church, leaving a legacy of commitment, compassion, ministry and faith. It is with heartfelt gratitude that we celebrate Pastor Russ in his fifth and final (maybe) retirement. Over the past several years, Pastor Russ has been a faithful presence in our parish life, giving generously of his wisdom, experience, and deep compassion. He has been instrumental in shaping and leading our Creation Care and Pastoral Care ministries, helping us grow into a community more attuned to God’s presence in creation and more attentive to the needs of one another. His gifts of deep listening, encouragement, and gentle guidance have touched countless lives in our congregation.
“I really enjoyed Pastor Russ’ Lunch and Learn series on Creation Care, particularly his understanding and emphasis on the biblical goodness of creation. He is a wonderful teacher!” - Sarah Nixon
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A Passion for Trains
While his interest in model trains began as a young boy, over the past 50 years Russ has built five model railroads. The current layout is a 250-square-foot HO scale reproduction of the 175-year-old East Broad Top Railroad, a 32-mile-long narrow gauge short line that once served Mount Union, Pa., site of Russ’ first parish and where he met his wife, Dixie. His first project was built in the 1970s on two 4' x 8' plywood sheets in the basement of the parsonage. As he moved to other churches and ministries, he would integrate parts of former layouts and expand on them. He has earned numerous certifications from the National Model Railroad Association, leading to the award of Master Model Railroader in 2019. He has also written extensively for various journals and magazines and maintains an online blog detailing his work. He shares his passion with his wife and grandchildren who inspire his designs. “My wife is my biggest supporter,” says Russ. “Whenever we moved to a new house, she’d tell the realtor ‘We need a room for the trains!’” His “train room” and workshop is a veritable museum of railroad memorabilia as well as, a lifetime of memories. “Whenever I give a tour and tell people about the history of the railroad, the people who worked on it and places the trains ran, it’s a trip down memory lane.”
Russ with his Men’s Group comrades.
“Pastor Russ Norris has led the men's breakfast group for as many years as he has been at St. Mary's. Always faithful to the organization in terms of scheduling a cook and reminding all of the calendar (first and third Tuesdays of the month.) Most importantly, he gives communion at every meeting. It is the act of setting up communion that Russ brings a special skill: the ability to segue. No matter what the subject of discussion as our hour comes to a close - whether the Episcopal Church, developments in world religion, politics, or even sports - suddenly Russ will say ‘you know it was a room just about this size’, or, ‘Jesus was joining his friends just like we are all friends here ,’ or, ‘There were 12 in that upper room just like we are 12 sitting around this table today’. And then, like magic the communion ceremony begins. The Lord's prayer is recited before the host is passed and our very moving, simply beautiful service is over. ‘Go in peace,’ says Russ, and then ‘It's time to do the dishes!’” - David Knauer “Twice each month, Russ has faithfully organized, encouraged, and grounded the Men's Group breakfast. It's a low-visibility ministry which is deeply meaningful for the dozen or so who are there - and Russ commonly leads us into a brief Eucharist by remarking that Christ similarly gathered twelve around the table for a simple meal. He will be profoundly missed.” - Rob Parke
“We will miss Russ: his sermons, his elfin smile, his warmth, friendliness, compassion and positive focus. For me he’s a model of discipleship.” - Marian Ferguson
Learn more at the Friends of the Broad Top Railroad Read Russ’ Blog
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Ministry Update
St. Mary’s Gardens are a cherished legacy of beauty and devotion, inspired by the vision of the Rev. Robert Wood Nicholson, St. Mary’s third rector (1946–1960). Drawing inspiration from English and Italian garden design and influenced by Frederick Law Olmsted, Fr. Nicholson transformed the marshy land surrounding the church into a series of enchanting garden “rooms.” Featuring canals, statuary, water features, and a blend of formal and natural landscaping, the gardens reflect a harmonious blend of art and nature. Open year-round to the public, St. Mary’s Gardens invite visitors to experience the wonder of God’s creation. From the serene Daffodil Meadow in spring to its tranquil paths and architectural beauty, the gardens provide a space for meditation and renewal. The Committee is regularly tends to the garden’s needs through monthly workdays and special projects. Its beauty serves as the backdrop for many of the church’s outdoor events, from Sunday morning fellowship “Lemonade on the Lawn” to Summer Cookouts, Angels’ Treasures’ Tent Sales, the 9/11 Remembrance Day receptions, as well as private parties, to name a few. Committee members include: Becky Freer Freedman and Peter Wagenblass, Co-Chairs; Charles Calhoun, Hilary Godin, Lilo Kimball, Connie Van Maur, Leezie Magruder, Keith Harris, Amy Crocker, John Monacci and Elizabeth Betti. Committee Keeps Up Garden Legacy
The Turnbull-Wheeler Family, donated the platform feeder near the memorial garden.
The Monacci - McClain family donated feeders which hang in the Fiacre garden.
Calling All Wild Bird Lovers
Thanks to the generosity of Beverly Wheeler who donated large bags of wild bird seed, we can keep our bird friends fed well during the cold months. There are several feeders around the gardens, and the committee is seeking help from individuals willing to keep the feeders filled one or twice weekly. Timing is flexible, so if you are interested, you can pick your own schedule. The seed is kept outside the back garden shed for convenience. For more information, please reach out to Peter Wagenblass at pwagenblass@aol.com or Becky Freer Freedman at milesdavislovesbecky@gmail.com.
Participants of Project Forward at Cape Cod Community College have assisted in tending St. Mary’s gardens for several years.
Lilo Kimball (right) has been a long-standing committee gardener and enjoys giving tours and sharing information about the garden history.
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When Volunteering Becomes Ministry
Last year, Hilary Godin was a new member at St. Mary’s, and when she joined the Garden Committee she wasn’t sure what to expect. She was an amateur gardener, and has an insatiable love of learning. So when the committee expressed the need for a map of the gardens, she jumped at the chance and took a unique approach to the year-long project, which has resulted in a working map of the property as well as, a photo gallery exhibit outside of Walden Hall. “My first task was to familiarize myself with the many garden areas or ‘rooms,’” she explained. Equipped with her iPhone 16 Pro, she set out to explore and document the grounds throughout the growing seasons: spring, summer, and fall. The goal of taking the photos was to document location, placement and type of plant or flower, yet the results were beautiful images that captured the magic of the grounds. “While my primary objective was to track what bloomed, when, and where, it was easy to create beautiful images when the subjects were flowers, trees, and shrubs. Over the course of a year, I discovered that early morning truly is the golden hour for photography.” In addition to her work on her mapping project, she regularly participated in monthly committee meetings and garden workdays. Working in the garden is special too, she said. She enjoys the physical work, but did not anticipate how it would make her feel . “It really feels like a ministry, I dig in this dirt and can feel the people who came before us to build the garden,” she says. “There is a history to the property, and I am participating in the legacy of the original planners.”
Hilary’s photo exhibit is displayed on the wall outside of Walden Conference Center for all to enjoy.
Hilary and her husband, David, began arriving at the 8 a.m. Sunday service early during the “golden hour” of light so she could slip away for photo shoots. “I’m grateful to the ushers who rang the bell to alert me just before the service began. Many times I would arrive with wet shoes, and other times my husband had to text from the pew to let me know the service was already underway.”
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Advent Study Series: Waiting in Hope
This Advent, join us for a special four-week study exploring the history and meaning of this sacred season through the lens of our Anglican tradition. Together we will discover how Christians through the centuries have marked this time of waiting, longing, and hope — from the fasting practices of the early church, through the rich ceremonies of medieval England, to the reforming vision of Thomas Cranmer, and the ways Anglicans around the world celebrate Advent today. Each session will weave together scripture, history, art, and music, giving us a deeper sense of what it means to prepare for the coming of Christ. Tuesdays in Advent (December 2, 9, 16, 23) | 11:30 AM -12:30 PM | Walden Hall Conference Room To register, email info@stmarysbarnstable.org
ADVENT RETREAT A CREATIVE DAY OF REST BEFORE THE HOLIDAYS ENJOY SELF-GUIDED REST IN A “POP-UP” BLANKET FORT OPTIONAL COLLAGE WORKSHOP FOR PRAYERFUL 2025 RETROSPECTION + 2026 VISION-CASTING CONTEMPLATIVE MUSIC BY FRANKIE STAHLHUT BEVERAGES, SNACKS, LUNCH + MATERIALS PROVIDED
MINGLE & JINGLE Christmas Party Join us for a festive potluck holiday gathering to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Saturday, December 20 Walden Hall | 6 PM - 9 PM
9:30 AM - 2:30 PM SATURDAY, DEC. 13 2025 WALDEN HALL
The cost per person is on a “pay as you are able” basis. Space is limited to 25 participants, so sign up soon by emailing info@stmarysbarnstable.org and mailing or dropping off a check or cash payment to the parish office by Friday, Dec. 5. Make checks payable to: St. Mary’s Episcopal Church
Invite friends and family, or someone you know who will be alone for the holidays. Bring an appetizer, side dish or sweet to share.
RSVP: info@stmarysbarnstable.org Please include name, and shared item.
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HOLIDAY EVENTS & SERVICES
Advent Study Series Begins Week 1: Advent Before Anglicanism – Roots in the Western Church Tuesday, December 2 , 9, 16, 23 | 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM | Walden Conference Room
Holiday Winter Stroll - Barnstable Village Wednesday, December 3 | 5:30 PM | Center Village
Advent Lessons & Carols Thursday, December 11 | 6:00 PM | Church
Advent Retreat Saturday, December 13 | 9:30 AM - 2:30 PM | Walden Hall
Emmaus Way Series - Celtic Christmas Service Saturday, December 20 | 5:00 PM | Church
Mingle & Jingle Community Christmas Party Saturday, December 20 | 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM | Walden Hall
Blue Christmas Service Sunday, December 21 | 5:00 PM | Church
Christmas Eve Worship Services with Eucharist Wednesday, December 24 4:00 PM | Holy Eucharist | Church 10:00 PM | Candlelight & Festive Choir | Church
Christmas Day Morning Prayer Service Thursday, December 25 | 10:00 AM | Church
Advent Lessons & Carols In anticipation of Christmas, Lessons and Carols is a worship service that tells the story of the fall of humanity, the promise of the Messiah, and the birth of Jesus through a series of nine short Bible readings (lessons) interspersed with carols and hymns.
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Movie Theology Monthly Feature Sunday, Dec. 14 | 2:00 PM | Walden Hall
Now Showing: The Christmas Choir
This article of interest is offered by St. Mary’s Pastoral Care. Always talk with your doctor for medical advice. How to Drop the Sleep Meds and Improve Your Sleep Naturally By: Laurie Higgins A study published by the National Institutes of Health estimates that about 30 percent of adults in the United States suffer from insomnia. Insomnia is a frustrating condition for which many people take sleep medications. The National Health Interview Survey published by the CDC indicates that about 8.4 percent of adults take medication to sleep, either every day or most days of the month. Women are more likely to use sleep medications and, in general, use increases with age. The downside of sleep medications is they are associated with an increase in dementia, especially Alzheimer’s disease. Since these medications can be habit forming, we asked primary care physician Holly Womack, MD, for advice on how people can wean off of these medications. Dr. Womack practices at Strawberry Hill Primary Care in Hyannis, and also works as a hospitalist at Cape Cod Hospital four shifts a month.
Watch Traile r
The Christmas Choir is a 2008 Hallmark movie about a workaholic accountant, Peter Brockman, who has his life fall apart and decides to volunteer at a homeless shelter. There, he is inspired by the musical talents of some residents and forms a choir, which helps the men find a new purpose, a way to earn money, and personal confidence. The film is based on a true story about the Montreal Accueil Bonneau Choir. Bring your favorite drink and a comfy seat cushion if you’d like. We’ll provide popcorn. Questions? Contact Kinnet Ehring at kinnet1018@icloud.com. See you at the movies!
NEED SPACE? To schedule meeting space at the church, please email Kathleen Macdonald in the parish office for approval at kathleen.macdonald@stmarysbarnstable.org
CLICK HERE TO READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLE
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Member Highlights Member Highlights is a new feature to introduce you to members with short Q & A formatted stories.
MEET BARBARA CONNER
Q: How long have you been a member (of the church) and how did you choose St. Mary's for your church community? A. I’ve been a member of St. Mary’s since July (2025), after church shopping over the past few years. I’ve spent every summer of my life on the Cape - at my grandparents cottage in Dennis. After a career in college counseling and college admission, I retired from Franklin & Marshall College this summer and moved to the Cape to live year round. When St. Mary’s came into the rotation of churches I was visiting, I found everyone so welcoming, genuine, and kind - I knew I had found my new church home! Coincidentally, prior to joining, I regularly attended the Tales of Cape Cod lectures across from St. Mary’s and always parked in St. Mary’s parking lot, but had not yet attended a service. I’m glad I finally did!
Q: Which church season or holiday is your favorite and why?
A: Lent is my favorite season because my former churches (St. Luke’s Wellington in Alexandria, VA, Trinity Church in Middleburg, VA, and St. John’s Church in Lancaster, PA) had robust Lent programs, including a weekly Lenten Supper Series which amplified both the meaning of the season and the importance of people coming together to connect on a deeper level.
Q: You are invited to a potluck, what are you bringing?
A: My potluck specialty is a hashbrown casserole. There is nothing remotely healthy about it, but it is decadent and absolutely yummy.
Q: You have already been involved in many activities at St. Mary's. Tell us what you’ve been doing.
A. So far, I’ve enjoyed volunteering for the Summer Cookout, helping to host the Homecoming Sunday reception, helping prepare and organize items for the Angels’ Treasures Tent Sale and the Christmas Sale, and stuffing envelopes for the Stewardship Campaign. Volunteering in these small ways has been fun and has provided a great opportunity to meet members of the community.
Barbara’s organizational skills contributed to the success of Angels’ Treasures Tent and Christmas Sales.
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Christmas Sale Success
Huge thanks to Helen Malone and the many volunteers who spent several days transporting, organizing, pricing, and displaying the magnificent assortment of holiday goods for the Christmas Sale. The event was a great success, raising more than $5,500 for church ministries and outreach programs.
St. Mary’s Vestry Officers Marian Ferguson, Sr. Warden (2026) Arlene Antonicelli, Jr. Warden (2026) Wes Blair, Treasurer (2026) Lallie Lloyd, Clerk (2026)
Staff The Rev. Michael J. Horvath, Rector The Rev. Dr. Russ Norris, Associate Pastor Dr. Mijin Choi, Music Minister Julienne Remie, Parish Administrator Kathleen Macdonald, Office Assistant Lynda Anello, Communications Director Lisa Nurse, Financial Coordinator Janis Umschlag, Thrift Shop Manager Glenn Lungarini, Facilities Coordinator
Members Emory Anderson (2026) Jean Fahey (2026) Jane Martin (2026) Keith Harris (2027) Sarah Nixon (2027) Judy Quinn (2027) Sue Davy (2028) Conor Moynihan (2028)
Pastoral Emergency? Call our Confidential Pastoral Care Line 508-318-6646
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