St Mary's September 2025 Newsletter Final

THE MESSENGER News from our church community

September 2025

HOMECOMING SUNDAY September 7

Special Receptions Following Each Service

Everyone is welcome here.

GREETINGS FROM FR. MICHAEL

Beloved of God,

September always sneaks up on me. One minute we’re in the easy sprawl of summer - sand still stuck in our shoes, schedules loose and forgiving - and the next minute it’s sharpened pencils, backpacks, and calendars filling up faster than we can catch our breath. Even if you don’t have kids in school, you can feel the shift. The air changes, the light shifts, and suddenly everything feels a little more urgent, a little more focused. Church life follows the same rhythm. After the wide-open summer months, September feels like gathering the whole family back around the table. That’s exactly what we’ll do on Homecoming Sunday, September 7th. It’s our chance to celebrate being together again, to reconnect, and to remember why we need each other and this community of faith. Bring your whole self, bring your neighbor, bring the kids who are still shaking sand out of their sneakers. We’ll make room.

WEEKEND SERVICES

SATURDAY 5:00 PM | HOLY EUCHARIST

SUNDAY 8:00 AM | HOLY EUCHARIST

10:00 AM | HOLY EUCHARIST

SUNDAY LIVE-STREAM LINKS PUBLISHED IN THE WEEKEND E-NEWS FOR THE UPCOMING WEEKEND SERVICE.

View Sunday Sermons

In gratitude,

“Like the disciples on the road to Emmaus, we’re going to keep our eyes open for Christ showing up in unexpected places and unexpected forms.”

Fr. Michael Horvath

THIS FALL: The Emmaus Way

This fall, I’m especially excited about something brand new we’re trying: The Emmaus Way. Think of it as a holy experiment in worship. Once a month, on the third Saturday evening of the month, we’ll gather for a service that looks and feels a little different from Sunday morning. One month it might be a Celtic service, another month something contemplative, another month a service full of music and movement. Like the disciples on the road to Emmaus, we’re going to keep our eyes open for Christ showing up in unexpected places and unexpected forms. My hunch is that we’ll be surprised by how God meets us there. This initiative grew directly out of the Strategic Planning small group conversations, where many parishioners expressed a longing for more diverse and creative ways to worship together. Each liturgical style will be offered for three months, after which a new expression of worship will be introduced. Of course, The Emmaus Way service is just one piece of what’s happening this fall. Read all about our fall lineup on pages 4 and 5. There will be opportunities to learn, to serve, to eat together, to pray together, and to keep figuring out what it means to follow Jesus in this time and place. None of us have it all figured out - and that’s exactly why we need each other. So as we shift into the season of cooler mornings and new beginnings, I hope you’ll jump in. Come back to the table. Try something new. Bring your questions, your hopes, your weariness, your joy. God will meet us in all of it. And I can’t wait to see what this season holds for us.

Fall Services Embrace Celtic Traditions

On the road to Emmaus, two disciples discovered the risen Christ walking alongside them, though they did not recognize him at first. It was only in the breaking of the bread that their eyes were opened. That story reminds us that Christ often meets us in unexpected ways and unfamiliar forms of worship.

Our first “Emmaus Way” series will be a Celtic Service, beginning on Saturday, September 20th, and culminating in a Celtic Christmas Service on December 20th.

All are welcome to walk The Emmaus Way. Come with open hearts, and see where Christ meets you along the journey.

For questions, please reach out to Fr. Michael.

We are preparing for our 2026 Stewardship Campaign - Giving, Growing, Building - as we continue to grow our faith community. Be on the look out for communications from our Wardens and Fr. Michael with information you can use to consider your pledge and/or promise to share your time, talents, and treasure with us. We invite you to pray, listen, and continue to give of yourself in the many wonderful ways that you do. We are blessed with our church family!

Fall Programs at St. Mary’s

The Fall season is full of inspirational, spiritual, educational and fun events for St. Mary's parishioners and the Barnstable community. Below is a sample of upcoming events on our schedule. Everyone is welcome to attend, so stop by and bring a friend!

St. Mary’s Ministry Fair Saturday & Sunday, Sept. 27 & 28 | Walden Hall

Meet representatives from each of the ministries at St. Mary's! Church ministries are diverse and plentiful and there is something for each and every member of our faith community. Learn more about our offerings and decide where your gifts and talents fit best. 9/11 Remembrance Day Ceremony & Service Thursday, Sept. 11 | 10 AM | Barnstable Fire House 10:45 AM | Service at St. Mary’s Church Blessing of the Animals Saturday, October 4 | 4 PM | St. Mary’s Patio Garden In honor of Saint Francis of Assisi Day, this annual event focuses on blessing the beloved pets in our community. All (safe and well-behaved) pets welcome. St. Mary’s Community Trunk or Treat Thursday, October 30 | 5 PM | Church Parking Lot Our Annual Trunk or Treat event offers a safe and fun environment for the community children and their families to enjoy this holiday tradition of dressing up, spending time together and collecting lots of yummy treats! Veterans Day Breakfast Tuesday, November 11 | 8:30 AM | Walden Hall St. Mary’s Annual Breakfast event honors local veterans and families on the Cape. Angels' Treasures Thrift Shop Christmas Sale Saturday & Sunday, November 15 & 16 | Wednesday – Friday, November 19 - 21 This holiday season, check out the treasures in the Angels' Treasures Thrift Shop and find new and unique gift options for everyone on your list.

Thanksgiving Service & Dinner Thursday, November 27 | 11 AM Service, 12 PM Dinner | Church & Walden Hall

St. Mary’s is delighted to host our Annual Potluck Thanksgiving Dinner, a joyful tradition for parishioners and neighbors alike. We invite everyone - whether you’ve been coming for years or are joining us for the first time - to bring a favorite dish and share in the warmth of food, friendship, and fellowship. This is a time to gather as one community and celebrate the blessings of Thanksgiving together.

All Saints’/All Souls’ Table of Remembrance and Vigil Friday, October 31 and Saturday, November 1 | 5 PM - 7 PM

As we remember the great cloud of witnesses and those who have gone before us, St. Mary’s will host a Table of Remembrance on All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days. You are invited to bring a photo or small memento of loved ones no longer with us and place it on the table as a way of honoring their memory. Each evening, we will hold a Candlelight Vigil - a quiet time of reflection and prayer for all who grieve and for the faithful departed. Come, light a candle, say a prayer, and remember those who continue to live in God’s eternal love.

Episcopal 101- A Class for Newcomers and Seekers

Sunday, October 5, 12, 19 | 11:15 AM | Walden Conference Room Facilitator: Fr. Michael Horvath

Are you curious about the Episcopal Church? Wondering what we believe, how we worship, or where we fit in the wider Christian tradition? Join us for Episcopal 101, a welcoming and conversational class designed for anyone who wants to learn more about our church. Using the book Walk in Love by Scott Gunn and Melody Wilson, this series is especially helpful for those preparing for Confirmation, Reception, or Reaffirmation of Faith, but all are welcome - whether you’re brand new, have been attending for years, or simply want to refresh your knowledge. Together we’ll explore: The history and ethos of the Episcopal Church Our liturgical life and sacramental practices The story of St. Mary’s and its ministries What it means to be part of God’s beloved community here · Bring your questions, your curiosity, and yourself - no homework, no tests, just good conversation and community.

Calendar of Events | September 2025

Recurring Weekly Events In September : Monday Cape Cod Chorale Rehearsal 6:45 PM | Walden Hall

Sunday, Sept. 7 - Homecoming Sunday Special Receptions following 8 AM and 10 AM services

Tuesday SMART Lunch & Learn 11:30 AM | Walden Conference Rm

Thursday, Sept. 11 10:00 AM | 9/11 Ceremony of Remembrance & Service Begins at Barnstable Fire House With Procession to St. Mary’s for service at 10:45 AM 5:00 PM | Vestry Meeting | St. James Room

Wednesday Bereavement Group 3 PM | Library

Friday, Sept. 12 & Saturday, Sept. 13 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM | Angels’ Treasures Tent Sale

Staff Meeting 10 AM | St. James Room

Sunday, Sept. 14 11:30 AM | Information Session - England’s Cathedrals Tour | Walden Hall Conference Room

Thursday Books & Breakfast 8:30 AM | Walden Hall

Monday, Sept 15, 22, 29 3:00 PM | Education for Ministry | St. James Room

Zen Meditation 6:30 PM | Walden Hall

Friday Grief Group 1 PM | Library

Saturday Holy Eucharist 5:00 PM | Church

Sunday Holy Eucharist 8:00 AM & 10:00 AM | Church Fellowship Hour 11:15 AM | Walden Hall & Patio

Pastoral Emergency? Call our confidential Pastoral Care Line 508.318.6646 To schedule meeting space at the church, please email our Parish Administrator at Julie Remie@stmarysbarnstable.org to confirm space is available.

New! SMART Programs

SMART Creation Care Lunch & Learn Series: “And God Saw It Was Good” Tuesdays in September | 11:30 AM |. Walden Conference Room

Join in for a new Lunch & Learn Creation Care Series, "And God Saw It Was Good" being held Tuesdays in September beginning Sept. 9. Participants will gather in the Walden Hall Conference Room (carpeted section) for informal conversations on the spirituality of nature through the ages. Invite a friend and bring your own lunch and beverage!

SMART Discussion Series: Exploring White Christian Nationalism Tuesdays in October | 11:30 AM | Walden Conference Room

This October, St. Mary’s SMART Forum invites you to a four-part series exploring the rise of White Christian Nationalism - a movement increasingly present in public discourse and shaping aspects of American religious and political life.

Living Gracefully By Pastor Russ

This month, I am sharing this article by actor Anthony Hopkins, age 88, whose goal of reaching his end in “harmony with myself, my loved ones and my conscience,” resonated with me and my thoughts on living a meaningful life.

“I know that I have less time to live than I have lived. I feel like a child who was given a box of chocolates. He enjoys eating it, and when he sees that there is not much left, he starts to eat them with a special taste. I have no time for endless lectures on public laws - nothing will change. And there is no desire to argue with fools who do not act according to their age. And there's no time to battle the gray. I don't attend meetings where egos are inflated and I can't stand manipulators. I am disturbed by envious people who try to vilify the most capable to grab their positions, talents and achievements. I have too little time to discuss headlines - my soul is in a hurry. Too few candies left in the box. I'm interested in human people. People who laugh at their mistakes are those who are successful, who understand their calling and don't hide from responsibility; who defend human dignity and want to be on the side of truth, justice, righteousness. This is what living is for. I want to surround myself with people who know how to touch the hearts of others; who, through the blows of fate, are able to rise and maintain the softness of the soul. Yes, I hustle, I hustle to live with the intensity that only maturity can give. I'll eat all the candy I have left - they'll taste better than the ones I already ate.

“My goal is to reach the end in harmony with myself, my loved ones and my conscience. I thought I had two lives, but it turned out to be only one, and it needs to be lived with dignity.”

ENGLAND’S CATHEDRALS: A Guided Pilgrimage Tour April 10 - 19, 2026 Led by Fr. Michael Horvath and Guest Lecturer, Charles Calhoun

Registration is now open for the England's Cathedrals Tour being offered April 10 - 19, 2026. Fr. Michael will be hosting an informational session at St. Mary’s on Sunday, Sept. 14 at 11:30 AM in Walden Conference Room for people interesting in learning more. Join us to find out more about the tour and get all your questions answered. Printed brochures are available in the parish office.

NOTE: You must use the Group Code: 26020 to access and register for the correct tour.

About the Tour

Relics of an Age of Faith, guardians of the rich Anglican musical tradition, enduring symbols of stability in a troubled world – these are England’s historic cathedrals. Join us this spring for St. Mary’s guided pilgrimage to six of these architectural masterpieces as well as seven other sacred sites in southern England. This tour takes place the week after Easter – from April 10 to 19, 2026 – and has been organized in cooperation with Faith Journeys, a travel agency with many years of experience in pilgrimage tourism. It will be led by Father Michael, as pilgrimage host, with historian Charles Calhoun as guest lecturer. Read the brochure attached for details of the itinerary and costs. The pilgrimage is designed not only as a spiritual journey but also as an educational experience. Over the winter, St. Mary’s will offer a series of daytime classes to help the group understand the Gothic cathedrals they will be visiting. They will cover such topics as how and why these huge structures were built, who paid for them, how they were used, what happened to them at the Reformation and during the Civil Wars, and the influence they had on 19 th -century church architecture in America. The trip begins in the steps of Chaucer’s pilgrims at Canterbury (where we will stay in the beautiful Canterbury Lodge within the Cathedral precincts), then goes on to Winchester, Salisbury, Wells, Oxford, ending with a day trip to Coventry. Among other sites en route are St. George’s Chapel Windsor, Bath Abbey, Old Sarum, and Stonehenge. Where possible, we will attend choral Evensong or other services in the cathedrals. The trip involves moderate walking, including steps at many of the sites.

Member Highlights Member Highlights is a new feature in which we will introduce you to our members with short Q & A formatted stories.

Meet Glen and Karen Anderson

Q: How long have you been members (of the church) and how did you choose St. Mary's for your church community? A: We have been members for over a year. We were married at St. Mary's 33 years ago. When we were recently searching for a new church community, we attended several services here and felt so welcomed by the parishioners and clergy. St. Mary's acceptance of all people, their commitment to the Earth and all God's creatures is evident in activities and weekly prayers.

Glen & Karen Anderson

Q: You have already been involved in many activities at St. Mary's. Tell us what you’ve been doing. A. There are so many opportunities to become involved. We have volunteered in services and we enjoy working on the social events such as the Veterans' Breakfast, Trunk or Treat and the Summer Cookout. Q: Which church season or holiday is your favorite and why? A. We both enjoy the Christmas holidays. The music and celebrations throughout the season are so joyous. Q: How would you describe the St. Mary's community to others who may be looking for a church? A. St. Mary's offers newcomers wonderful ways to meet other church members through several receptions hosted in parishioners' homes and at church. We have found Fr. Michael, our rector, to be kind, approachable and a wonderful spiritual leader.

Happy Birthday to all St. Mary's September babies! If we have missed yours, please reach out and let us know. September Birthdays

Frankie Stahlhut, Sept. 3 Patty Waltner, Sept. 4 Ross Whalen, Sept. 4 Doris Coale, Sept. 6 John Whalen, Sept. 6 Sandra Whalen, Sept. 6

Jean Fahey, Sept. 16 Dennis Steward, Sept. 17 Charles Calhoun, Sept. 18 Sue Galbraith, Sept. 22 Louise Koch, Sept. 22 Anne Lorentzen, Sept. 22 Nancy Timoney, Sept. 25 Ned Lynch, Sept. 26 Robert Mongrain, Sept. 26 Catherine Morrison, Sept. 27 Peter Fraser, Sept. 29

Emory Anderson, Sept. 11 Leezie Magruder, Sept. 12 Amanda McClenahan, Sept. 13

Ian Thompson, Sept. 13 Roy Hammer, Sept. 14

St. Mary’s Vestry

St. Mary’s Staff

Vestry Officers Marian Ferguson, Sr. Warden (2026) Arlene Antonicelli, Jr. Warden (2026)

The Rev. Michael J. Horvath, Rector

Wes Blair, Treasurer (2026) Lallie Lloyd, Clerk (2026)

The Rev. Dr. Russ Norris, Associate Pastor Julienne Remie, Parish Administrator Kathleen Macdonald, Office Assistant Lynda Anello, Communications Director 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)

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