Alpha Course

This is a 10-week, 15-session course which presents Christianity in an informative and non-threatening manner. Its primary mission is evangelistic, and the majority of the participants will be unchurched persons. However, its designers also had in mind such people as newcomers to the church, new Christians, couples preparing for marriage, those seeking Confirmation, and Christians who want to brush up on the basics. We need people to take leadership roles of various kinds as well as folks to help with set-up, clean-up and cooking.  Please contact Fr. Francoeur at 772-287-3244 or Steve McGarry at 772-223-6490 for more information.

Altar Guild

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. Please contact Libby Peixotto at 772-220-3526 for more information.

Call to Discipleship

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. Please contact Barbara Godfrey at 772-286-8250 or email BKG38@aol.com for more information.

Caring Ministry

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”. Please contact Sarabeth Holmberg at 772-463-4658 for more information.

Choir

Singing voices enhance worship; stimulating our personal and communal prayer. We have a magnificent choir under the exceptional direction of our own Allen Rosenberg. 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 Dr. Rosenberg at 772-219-1141. The choir rehearses on Thursday evenings at 7 p.m. 

Christians Alive!

Christian Education classes, for toddlers through adults, are offered Sunday mornings immediately following the 9 a.m. Christians Alive! service.  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. Francoeur and explores continuing themes for living in today’s world. Please contact Fr. Francoeur at 772-287-3244, Dot Galfond at 772-287-3244 for more information.

Coffee Hour

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! Please contact Jenny Bowdish at 772-287-3244 for more information.

Cracker Barrel

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. Please contact Jean Williams at 772-221-1175 for more information.

Cursillo

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. Please contact Churck Pierce at 772-220-1289 for more information.

Daughters of the King

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.  Please contact Jane Anthony at 772-287-6621 for more information.

Discovery Weekend

This is a parish based renewal program.  The weekend begins on a Friday evening and concludes Sunday afternoon. The focus of the weekend is to present the Christian life in a cogent, coherent, and approachable format of witness based talks by laity and clergy along with meaningful small group discussions and projects.  The participant receives a clearer understanding of basic Christian issues dealing with God, Jesus Christ, the role and ministry of the Church, the mission of the Christian person and community, and a deeper appreciation for one's own congregation. Please contact Fr. Francoeur at 772-287-3244 for more information.

Episcopal Church Women (E.C.W.)

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 at 10:30 am in the Parish Life Center.  A business meeting is followed by an entertaining program and luncheon. Please contact Vera Orlowski at 772-220-8488 for more information.

Evening Guild

This women's group meets the first Monday of each month from 7:00 to 9:00 pm in the Parish Life Center. The main goal of the group is fellowship. Members host the meetings on a rotating basis. Meetings are varied with different guest speakers, handmade crafts and book review. Anyone and everyone is welcome. Please contact the church office at 772-287-3244 for more information.

Confirmation and Inquirers Classes

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. Please contact Fr. Francoeur at 772-287-3244 for more information.

Flower Guild

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. Please contact Kay Norris at 772-288-1295 for more information.

Garden Club

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! Please contact Carol McLaughlin at 772-335-7348 for more information.

Good Samaritan Ministry

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. Please contact Bob Schneider at 772-286-9607 for more information.

Habitat for Humanity

By using volunteer labor and no interest mortgages, Habitat for Humanity, an ecumenical Christian organization, provides a way for low income people to buy their own home. Please contact the church office at 772-287-3244 for more information.

Healing Ministry

We offer two healing services each week: Sunday at 5:00 pm and Tuesday at 12:10 pm.  These are both informal services of Holy Eucharist. The Sunday evening service has guitar music.  Persons who have been involved in the healing ministry, or who perceive that they are being called to the healing ministry, are invited to call the contact person above.  Please contact Fr. Francoeur at 772-287-3244 for more information.

Heaven Knows Newsletter

Our monthly newsletter is printed in the church office. The mailing team gets the finished newsletter ready for bulk mailing.  Please contact Melissa Lewis at 772-287-3244 for more information.

"Holy Rollers" Transportation

Parish members offer to pickup those who don’t drive and bring them to church, the doctor or other essential destinations.  Please contact Michael Hastings at 219-4420 if you need transportation or would like to volunteer.

Hospital Calling Committee

Members of this committee visit parishioners who are hospitalized. They offer prayers, if desired, and any assistance they can provide.  Please contact Sarabeth Holmberg at 772-463-4658 for more information.

Eucharistic Visitors

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.  Please contact Shelly Taft at 772-692-1656 for more information.

Light of the World Christian Conference

St. Mary’s Church partnered with the participants of Call To Discipleship to bring an exciting two-day event to Stuart in May 2006.  This Christian Conference provided participants with the opportunity to experience the joy of spiritual growth through the ministries of teachings, music, worship, and fellowship.  Light of the World Christians Conference will return to St. Mary's September 19th, 20th, and 21st, 2008.  Please contact Barbara Godfrey at 772-286-8250 or email BKG38@aol.com for more information.

Mary's Kitchen Community Dinner

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.  Please contact Dale Hudson at 772-287-4716 for more information.

MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers)

MOPS meets Thursdays from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. and is open to all mothers of preschool age children in our community.  Childcare is provided and mothers participate in a variety of educational and spiritual programs designed to meet the needs of parents with young children.  Please contact Katie Norris at 772-220-3257 for more information.

Newcomer's Committee

When a newcomer fills out the data sheet we put in the pew they are contacted by a member of the parish and given a loaf of bread and a welcoming letter from the Rector (the Bread Baking, Bread Delivery, and the Welcoming Committee are a part of this committee).  This is followed by a clergy telephone contact.  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.  Please contact the church office at 772-287-3244 for more information.

Nursing Home Visitation

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. Presently we need volunteers.  Please contact Eva Lippincott at 772-229-8328 for more information.

Office Volunteers

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.  Please contact Jenny Bowdish or Melissa Lewis at 772-287-3244 for more information.

Post Funeral Reception

This committee offers the services of a reception in Smith Hall 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.  Please contact the church office at 772-287-3244 for more information.

Praying Hands

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!  Please contact June Gibson at 772-283-1347 for more information.

The R.O.C.K. (Youth Group)

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! Please contact Dot Galfond at 772-287-3244 or email at dot@stmarys-stuart.org for meeting dates or more information.

Table Hoppers

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.  Please contact Eva and Charlie Lippincott at 772-229-8328 or Margot Schlegel at 772-225-3527 for more information.

Tape Ministry

The 11:00 a.m. service is taped every Sunday to be available to those who are not able to be here at St. Mary's. We are looking for someone willing to coordinate this valuable ministry, someone to copy tapes, title sermons and maintain the audio library.  Please contact Melissa Lewis at 772-287-3244 for more information.

Tele-Care Committee

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.  Please contact Sarabeth Holmberg at 772-692-1656 or Nancy Gill at 772-220-3778 for more information.

Wedding Guild

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.  Please contact Jeanne Ralicki at 772-287-6615.

Worship - 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.  Please contact Jenny Bowdish at 772-287-3244 for more information.