Note to the Parish: Ned's Funeral Reception Catering

The parish is providing food for the reception. Dick Ward is coordinating, and he can be reached at rgward39@aol.com or by calling 802-464-8480. Finger foods, such as small sandwiches, salads, and desserts would be appropriate. Please let Dick know what you can provide.

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Last Sunday's Sermon

Rev. Scherm's sermon:

How do know when the rules apply? 

Today’s gospel asks a universal question and offers one of Jesus’ more important teachings. So first, we need to look at context. Notice that we’re in chapter 2 of Mark’s gospel – this morning’s incidents take place VERY early in Mark’s presentation of Jesus’ ministry.

As we’ve observed before, Mark’s gospel takes off at a stunning pace: in Chapter 1 we’re introduced to all of the themes and patterns that will characterize Mark’s narrative. Jesus is baptized, tempted, calls disciples, casts out an unclean spirit, heals at Peter’s home, preaches, cleanses a leper, and attracts a crowd of followers in forty-five verses!

Chapter 2 introduces a new element, the beginnings of opposition, which will also be a theme threading throughout the gospel. It’s interesting that conflicts arise not with civil authorities, but with religious leaders. These tensions clearly reflect the impact Jesus was having on increasing numbers of people, which was causing discomfort among leaders in the community.

In the opening verses of chapter 2, Jesus finds himself in conflict with religious leaders over his declaring forgiveness of sin, his dining with tax collectors, and his fasting practices.

Today’s story involves two issues related to observance of the Sabbath. Jesus was allowing the disciples to pick grain, and he healed a man with a withered hand, all on the Jewish sabbath.

[The full script can be read by clicking on the link below.]

Video of Last Sunday's Service

10 am, June 2, 2024



(Please Subscribe to St. Mary's YouTube Channel)

SUNDAY SERVICE SCHEDULE

If you, Lord, were to note what is done amiss, O Lord, who could stand? (Psalm 130:2)

Despite our many shortcomings, God is ready to offer:

forgiveness,

reconciliation,

a fresh start.

At any moment.

Every day.

• How might I help make this priceless gift real in my heart and to those around me?

Almighty and most merciful Father, we have erred and strayed from thy ways like lost sheep, we have followed too much the devices and desires of our own hearts, we have offended against thy holy laws, we have left undone those things which we ought to have done, and we have done those things which we ought not to have done. But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us, spare thou those who confess their faults, restore thou those who are penitent, according to thy promises declared unto mankind in Christ Jesus our Lord; and grant, O most merciful Father, for his sake, that we may hereafter live a godly, righteous, and sober life, to the glory of thy holy Name. Amen.     (BCP, p.41)

John Terauds (Art: The Heaven’s Glory, 2024, Rajnish Wadhwa)

Healing Prayer offered every second Sunday of each month

SECOND QUARTER APPEAL

Jerusalem Peacebuilders

Jerusalem Peacebuilders (JPB) is an interfaith, non-profit organization with a mission to create a better future for humanity across religions, cultures, and identities. Integral to that mission is the belief that the future of Jerusalem is the future of the world. To that end, JPB promotes transformational, person-to-person encounters among the peoples of Jerusalem, Israel, Palestine, and the United States.

JPB’s interfaith programs focus on uniting Israelis, Palestinians, and Americans and providing them with the opportunities, relationships, and skills they need to become future leaders for peace. A passion for peace drives our mission and partnerships power our program.

PLEASE DONATE TO JPB!

Checks with "JPB" in the memo line may be sent to St. Mary's, PO Box 1366, Wilmington, VT 05363 or placed in the collection plate.

or

Joys & Sorrows

• Congratulations to Meredith, Marcy's granddaughter in Texas, on her recent high school graduation. She will be attending Oklahoma State University where she plans to major in zoology with the intention of becoming a veterinarian.
• Thank you, Rev. Molly, Rhondi and Ruth for a most informative presentation of end-of-life planning after church on Sunday.
• Docle, Lorrie's ewe, has been visited by the veterinarian and is now on the mend.
• The Quilters of the Deerfield Valley presented two "quilts of valor" to veterans at the Memorial Day ceremony in Wilmington. Let us thank Marcy, Gail, Diane, and anyone else involved.
• Road Trip! Helen Eddy writes: "I am going off with my family from May 26 through June 9. We will be driving from Salt Lake City, north through Yellowstone, Grand Tetons, and Glacier parks and up into Canada coming back down via Oregan and then home. LOTS of driving." It sounds like fun, Helen, but why not include a swing through Mexico and Central America while you're in the West?
• Gail is recuperating from her hip replacement earlier this week. Good luck, Gail!

End of Life Planning at St. Mary's

Last Sunday, June 2nd

Last Sunday, Saint Marians tarried after church for our regular first-Sunday-of-the-month lunch of soup, Molly's delicious sourdough bread, and Sherry's cranberry cookies and chocolate chip bars. Following the koinonia, we participated in a discussion of end-of-life planning. Rev. Molly Scherm was joined by Rhondi Gleason of the Holistic Nurses and Ruth Nangeroni of the Brattleboro Area Hospice. They stressed the importance of taking definite steps while we are still healthy to make our intentions clear and to assist our survivors. We learned that the state maintains the Vermont Advance Directory. This directory provides emergency rooms and others with our important contacts and instructs doctors about our intentions for emergency care. The documents and information distributed can be downloaded by clicking here. Any other questions? Contact Rev. Scherm (mollyscherm@gmail.com), Rhondi Gleason (tandrg@gmail.com), or Ruth Nangeroni (ruth.nangeroni@brattleborohospice.org). We thank them for their generous provision of time and knowledge at this eye-opening event.

Happenings in Wilmington and Environs

• Kids Hooked on Fishing, Sat., June 8, 9-11 am. Lake Clara in Whitingham. Free fishing for kids through age 14. Prizes, treat bags. For more information, ask around.
• Holy Land Crisis. June 9, 12-2 at St. Mary's. Lunch at noon followed by a presentation and discussion at 1 pm with the Rev. Canon Nicholas Porter, who will report on his firsthand experiences there during the conflict and the efforts of the Jerusalem Peacebuilders.
• Pettee Library Book Club, Wed., June 19th at 6pm. "All Boys Aren't Blue."
• Turtles to Toads. Whitingham Library, 1 pm.
• Senior Meal in Halifax – June 21, serving at noon in the Halifax Community Hall located at 20 Brook Road in West Halifax. . All seniors are welcome. A free-will donation of $3.00 is asked ($4.00 for those under 60). A call to Joan is appreciated (802-368-7733). – Joan Courser
• Whoo's That?, Saturday, June 29th at 11 am. Pettee Library. Meet native wildlife with the Southern Vermont Natural History Museum.
• Church Picnic: The picnic will be on August 4, 2024, after church. It will be at Gail and Barry's home in Whitingham.
• Natural History Museum (Marlboro) Kids' Summer Program, Aug. 12-16. Click here for details.
• Visit of the Rt. Rev. Dr. Shannon MacVean Brown, Bishop of Vermont, to St. Mary's. Sept 8 at 10 am.13 East Main St., Wilmington
• Deerfield Valley Pilgrimage, September 14-15. www.vermontpilgrim.org

Recurring Events



• In Community Yoga with Jill Robart at St. Mary's, the last Wednesday of each month at 12 o'clock.
• American Holistic Nurses Association. 2nd Saturday of each month, at St. Mary's, 4 pm to 5:30 pm. Free and open to the public.
• Craft and Crochet, Tuesdays at 2pm at Pettee Library. Please bring your own project and materials.
• Poetry Party, Every First Thursday of the month at 4 pm, Pettee Library. Free refreshments.
• Caregiver Support Group: Free twice monthly support group for people caring for someone with a chronic illness: cancer, dementia, alcoholism, mental illness, etc. meets at the Deerfield Valley Rescue Building in Wilmington on alternate Sundays from 4 to 5:30 pm. For more information call 464-5156.
• Tech Help with Mel, First Monday of the Month, from 3-4 pm. Pettee Library, 16 South Main St., Wilmington. 802-494-8557. Free problem solving. Questions answered. Open to all.
• S.A.S.H. Tai Chi Classes are held at the Old School Community Center every Tuesday from 11:30 to 12:30. Bring clean shoes as no street shoes are allowed in the gym.
• Bone Builders program meets Monday and Wednesday mornings at 9:30 at St. Mary's.
• AA meets at the Old Fire Station, Wilmington at 7:15 pm every Friday.
• Weekly Yoga at the Whitingham Library, Mondays 6:00-7:00 pm with hometown yogi Dr. Wendy Sargeant.
• Spiritual movement (Tai Chi). Thursdays at 9 am. Led by Pastor Marsha Heydenreich at Trinity Lutheran Church, Brattleboro. jonathanheydenreich6@gmail.com or call: 978 828-4825.
• Discussion/meditation group at Trinity Lutheran Church. Saturdays at 9 am. Led by Jonathan Heydenreich. jonathanheydenreich6@gmail.com or call: 978 828-4825.
• Bingo Night, 3rd Tuesday of Each Month at 6 pm. Our Lady of Fatima, to benefit the windows fund.
• "Recess for 55+ Seniors" Drop-in Room, every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, from 11:30 am to 3 pm. Old School Community Center. Bring your own lunch, but coffee and tea provided. For information email boydfarm@sover.net or call Janet Boyd at 802-464-5618.

In Community Yoga with Jill Robart

Yoga is an ancient physical, mental, and spiritual practice that focuses on bringing harmony between mind and body. It is an art and science of healthy living.  It provides methods for calming minds and reducing stress, while also improving physical fitness, both of which contribute to ultimate health. This is an all-level class, chair to floor, free to all attendees. There will be some mats available, but if you have one, it will be great to bring it with you.

Class will be held on the last Wednesday of each month at 12 noon. Start date is May 29 2024. At St. Mary's, 13 E Main St., Wilmington, VT. Contact Elizabeth for details: ecmcewen@gmail.com

Pilgrimage Update

On Saturday, June 1, some of the Pilgrimage Trail Explorers joined the Wilmington Trail Committee's Hike commemorating National Trails Day. We followed the Pilgrimage Route, mostly, up Lisle Hill to White's Road.

Join us for coffee hour after church

Theology in Pictures

"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."

Romans 12:2

From the New Yorker

The Calendar of Saints:

Holy People

Recognized by the Episcopal Church

On June 4th, the church venerates

John XXIII (Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli)

Bishop of Rome, 1958-1963

“Good Pope John” changed the landscape of twentieth century Christianity. Born in Northern Italy in 1881, Angelo Roncalli was trained in Roman Catholic schools from an early age. After military service, Roncalli was ordained a priest in 1904. His passion for social justice for working people and for the poor was formed early and remained an important commitment of his ministry. Roncalli often received complicated assignments. He was made an archbishop in 1925 and sent as the papal envoy to Bulgaria where he was responsible for reducing the tensions between Eastern Rite and Latin Rite Catholics during a difficult period.

Some years later, he was the papal representative to Greece and Turkey when anti-religious sentiments were running high. His leadership in Turkey anticipated on a local scale some of the developments of later decades on a universal scale: putting the liturgy and the official documents of the church in the language of the people, and opening conversations with the Eastern Orthodox and those of other faiths. Near the end of the Second World War, he was made the papal nuncio to Paris with the task of trying to heal the divisions caused by the war. In 1953, at the age of 72, he was made a cardinal and appointed patriarch of Venice, the first time he had ever been the bishop ordinary of a diocese.

In 1958, Cardinal Roncalli was elected Pope and took the name John XXIII. After the long pontificate of Pius XII, it was widely assumed that John XXIII would be a brief “placeholder” pope of minor consequence. During the first year of his pontificate, he called the Second Vatican Council for the purpose of renewing and revitalizing the church. The work of the Council transformed the church of the twentieth century, not only for Roman Catholics, but for all Christians. With its emphasis on liturgical renewal, ecumenism, world peace, and social justice, the legacy of the Council continues to inspire the mission of the church among Christians of all traditions. 

From the St. Mary's Scrapbook

Evan Johnson's confirmation in 2003