St. Mary's Outreach
Altar Guild. . . . Eva Lippincott 229-8328
The members of the Altar Guild prepare the sanctuary for regular worship on Saturday and Sunday, and during the week. Small groups (teams) of five or six volunteers share the guild duties for one week a month. An experienced member will train newcomers.
Bible Study Groups. . . . Contact Church Office 287-3244
Bible Study is available on Monday mornings and Friday mornings. Both Bible Studies provide a rich source of revelation.
Call to Discipleship. . . . Barbara Godfrey 286-8250
Call to Discipleship is a community based Bible study committed to providing an opportunity to know Jesus, be transformed by His word, and to be equipped to serve the world in His name.
Caring Ministry. . . . Sarah Holmberg 463-4658
This is a combined name for our pastoral care program. It is comprised of Good Samaritans, Hospital Calling, Lay Ministers, Nursing Home Visitation, and “Holy Rollers”.
- Good Samaritan Ministry . . . Bob Schneider 286-9607 Caring Ministry is grounded in Jesus' command to love one another. Through one-on-one caring relationships, those who are hurting receive the love and care they need. Good Samaritan Ministers have been specially trained for this vital pastoral ministry. Good Samaritan Ministers meet monthly for supervision. Referrals are made through the Referrals Coordinator or the clergy. All referrals and meetings between care receivers and Good Samaritan Ministers are strictly confidential.
- “Holy Rollers” Transportation . . . Wally Smith 485-7851 Parish members offer to pick up those who don’t drive and bring them to church, the doctor or other essential destinations.
- Hospital Calling Committee . . . . Sarabeth Holmberg 463-4658 Members of this committee visit parishioners who are hospitalized. They offer prayers, if desired, and any assistance they can provide.
- Eucharistic Visitors . . . . Shelly Taft 692-1656 Eucharistic Visitors have been trained and especially licensed by the Bishop to take Communion from the altar on Sunday to the sick, injured, and shut-in members of the parish.
- Nursing Home Visitation . . . . Eva Lippincott 229-8328 Visit parishioners residing in nursing homes on a regular basis. Currently we have people needing to be visited in the following facilities: National Health Care, Martin Nursing and Restorative Care Center, Beverly Health and Rehabilitation Center, Mariner Health Care of Palm City, and Water's Edge. Volunteers are always needed and appreciated.
- Tele Care Committee . . . . . . Gill 220-3778 A follow-up telephone contact with discharged hospital patients or other parishioners who might benefit from a telephone conversation to ascertain the present/future needs of patient and/or their family members. This committee is frequently a referral point of the discharged patient of their family members to other St. Mary's resources, such as Prayer Chain and Lay Eucharistic Ministry.
Choir. . . . Gerald Dargis 287-3244
Singing voices enhance worship; stimulating our personal and communal prayer. The choir sings alternately at the 9:00 am and 11:00 am service throughout the month. Persons interested in singing in the choir should contact Mr. Dargis. The choir rehearses on Thursday evenings at 7 p.m.
Coffee Hour. . . . Church Office 287-3244
As hosts of Coffee Hour before and after Sunday church services, our members provide the parishioners and visitors of St. Mary's an opportunity for fellowship in an informal atmosphere. Members provide snacks, as well as prepare coffee and punch for refreshment. Volunteers always needed!
Cracker Barrel. . . . Barbara Wright 214-0483
St. Mary's Cracker Barrel is the oldest thrift shop in Stuart. All the profits go to the Episcopal Church Women [E.C.W] and are distributed through them to St. Mary's and other charitable organizations in Stuart and beyond. Volunteers are always needed. Anyone interested in getting involved in this vital ministry is asked to get in touch with the contact person.
Cursillo. . . . Chuck Pierce 220-1289
Cursillo is best described as a "short course on Christianity" and is a renewal movement of magnificent proportions that touches many lives. Cursillo is a weekend experience beginning Thursday evening and culminating in a closing service Sunday afternoon. Various talks are given on aspects of the Christian life and experience from both clergy and lay persons. The theme of God's love is developed and empowered from both within and outside of the weekend gathering. If you are new to the parish, or otherwise do not know someone who has attended a Cursillo weekend, but who would like to apply, please contact us. For those who have been on a Cursillo weekend, there are many opportunities to serve the Cursillo community of St. Mary's. We have regular planning and leadership development meetings, Ultreyas and other special events.
Daughters of the King. . . . Grace Hall 286-3078
This is a religious order for lay or ordained women communicants in good standing in the Episcopal church. Each woman undertakes a personal rule of life: the rule of prayer and the rule of service. By a reaffirmation of Baptismal and Confirmation vows, the woman pledges herself to a lifelong program of prayer, service, and personal evangelism. She dedicates herself to the spread of Christ's kingdom, and helps in strengthening the spiritual life of her parish.
Episcopal Church Women (E.C.W.). . . . Sherry Olle 781-8567
Every woman of St. Mary's is automatically a member of the E.C.W. The goals of the group are to honor and worship God; to grow in love and understanding with one another; to open their eyes, hearts and minds to the needs of others; and to give of themselves as they are able. The E.C.W. meets on the third Thursday of each month (October - May) at 10:30 am in the Parish Life Center. A business meeting is followed by an entertaining program and luncheon.
Confirmation and Inquirers Classes. . . . Church Office 287-3224
Confirmation classes focus on teachings of the Episcopal Church and Christian formation of the individual. And they prepare the attendees for Confirmation or Renewal of Baptismal vows when the Bishop comes for his annual Visitation.
Flower Guild. . . . Kay Norris 288-1295
Arranges the flowers for the altar on Sundays, Thanksgiving, Easter, Christmas, and for special occasions. Many members are also on the Altar Guild, but this is not necessary to belong to the Flower Guild.
Garden Club. . . . Carol McLaughlin 335-7348
St. Mary’s Garden Club meets once a month on a Saturday morning to help in maintaining our beautiful grounds. Like to “putter in the dirt”? You’re invited!
Mary's Kitchen Community Dinner. . . . Dale Hudson 287-4716
Serves over 10,000 meals a year to needy persons every Wednesday evening from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Needs cooks, servers, hosts and hostesses. Also provides a hot meal for any St. Mary's people who are in need of this service. The fellowship and caring which is evidenced at each meal is as important as the food.
Mary’s Library . . . . . Jane Miller 219-0707
Located between Smith Hall and the Memorial Garden and is open weekdays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Sundays during Coffee Hour. In the back room is the religious library with 1600 books and a selection of DVDs for self check out. In the front room is a used book store of donated non-religious books for sale (all proceeds support the library). Movies are also frequently held to support the library. Book donations are always appreciated.
Newcomer's Committee . . . . Charlie Lippincott 229-8328
This committee is concerned with reaching out to newcomers and helping them become incorporated into our church. In addition to strengthening our existing programs, this committee will design and implement new programs as desired. Opportunities exist for people at all levels of involvement.
Office Volunteers . . . . . . Melissa Lewis 287-3244
A very important ministry is performed weekly by a small but dedicated group of lay people who offer their skills to help keep our busy church office running. They answer the phone, process mail, assemble mailings, and do a thousand other important tasks that help make St. Mary's the friendly, responsive church that it is.
Pebbles . . . . . . . . Kelly Garner 463-7257
Pebbles is an organization to engage families with younger kids. We host pizza socials, organize church related activities for Pebbles youth and coordinate social events for the parents. Our mission is to create a sense of community among the young families.
Praying Hands . . . . . . Peggy Sheldon 287-4944
Praying Hands is a group of St. Mary’s women who get together to knit and sew caps for newborns and shawls for cancer patients. New members are always welcome!
Reception Hosts . . . . . . Debbie Flerx 287-3244
This committee offers the services of a reception after a funeral. It is offered to the family when they schedule a funeral. Many times there is short notice, but they have handled from 25 to 200 guests successfully. New members of our church community are always welcome—and very much needed.
The R.O.C.K. (Youth Group) . . . . Alexis Stuckey 287-3244
The R.O.C.K. - Rely on Christ the King is open to any young person in grades 6 - 12. A variety of activities occur — including Bible study, fundraisers, community outreach, games, an annual mission trip, food, and always lots of fun! We meet most Sundays at 6:00 p.m. in the Youth building - please check bulletin for schedule.
Shepherd Group . . . . Jack Godfrey 286-8250
The Group’s purpose is to provide a structure for people to interact in a faith-based environment, and to develop closer relationships with each other and with Christ. The bi-weekly meetings include fellowship, Bible study, sharing and prayer.
Sunday School . . . . . . Kelly Garner 287-3244
Sunday School classes, for toddlers through adults, are offered Sunday mornings immediately following the 9:00 a.m. services. Children’s and youth lessons are age appropriate and scripture based — and led by wonderful teachers. Our classes for young children in particular are experientially based and all classes include a variety of learning methods. The adult class is led by Fr. Fregeau.
Table Hoppers . . . Eva & Charlie Lippincott 229-8328
A monthly "dinner" group consisting of 7 - 9 people per table group. They meet in each other's homes and enjoy food and fellowship. Once they have met in all the homes, they can be re-formed into other table groups. The purpose is for people to get to know each other better.
Teeter Tots . . . . . . Katie Norris 220-3257
“A Journey Into the World of Imagination” program and classes for parents and children age 4 months to 5 years.
Wedding Guild . . . . . . Jeanne Ralicki 287-6615
The Wedding Guild assists the bride and groom with details such as flowers, dressing rooms, and wedding party instructions. They are present at the rehearsal and the wedding.
Worship . . . . . . Church Office 287-3244
Acolytes · Chalice Bearers · Lay Readers ·
Lay Lectors · Sunday Greeters · Intercessors ·
Oblation Bearers · Ushers · Counters
There’s a variety of opportunities to serve in the context of worship on Sunday and other days when parish family gathers in the church. All these ministries enable the community to worship in a comfortable, focused manner supported by helping gifts of its members.