Here at St. Mary Anne's, we believe that our faith calls us to be involved in our church, to take care of each other, and to be active in the world. There are many opportunities for involvement. Some take a little time, and some take more than that. There are events that happen once a year, and events that happen on a weekly basis. There is a place for you - whatever your gifts, whatever your interests, and whatever time you have to commit. Whatever you choose, you will quickly discover the satisfaction of helping to make the world a better place for everyone.

Acolytes: Acolytes assist the priest during the service. There are different duties for acolytes - one will carry the processional cross, two others carry torches, and one helps to prepare the table for communion. Beginning in the second grade, any member is welcome to train as an acolyte.

Altar Guild: Members of the altar guild prepare the altar for the Eucharist. They are responsible for cleaning the linens and the priests' vestments, pouring the wine and preparing the bread. This is an excellent ministry for those who want to do important work for the church, and yet, would prefer to remain in the background.

Choir: The choir at St. Mary Anne's is a lively group who provides music for the 10:30 service each Sunday. Find out about rehearsals and about our Music Director here.

Lay Readers: Lay Readers at St. Mary Anne's read the Prayers of the People, assist with other readings as needed, and administer the chalice.

Lectors: Lectors have the ministry of proclaiming the Scriptures during the liturgies. We welcome lectors of all ages here at St. Mary Anne's.

Ushers: Ushers are ministers of hospitality who greet the members, hand out bulletins, collect the offering, and assist people to the communion rail.

At St. Mary Anne's, we believe that outreach involves far more than writing a check. Our parishioners are involved in the life of the local and the worldwide community.

Angel Tree: One of the most popular of our outreach projects is the Angel Tree. Early in the fall, members collect names of children whose families are in difficulty and commit to providing Christmas gifts for children who would otherwise do without.

Food Bank: Our Food Bank is open on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9:30 - 12. We provide food and financial assistance to help with evictions, utility shut-offs, prescription purchases, etc. Our parishioners staff the food bank, collect and donate food, and are an integral part of the lives of our less fortunate brothers and sisters in the North East area. Our food bank is open to all who need assistance.

Pantry Sunday: On the first Sunday of each month, parishioners make a special effort to bring in dry or canned goods to keep the pantry shelves in the Food Bank stocked.

Partner Congregation: St. Mary Anne's is partnered with St. Luke's Cathedral in Zambia. The churches support each other in prayer, send pictures and letters, and create relationships that help to foster the connectedness that is shared by all churches in the world-wide Anglican Communion.

Prayer Shawl Ministry: This group meets each Sunday during education hour. Members knit prayer shawls to donate for anyone in need. They also work on afghans, hats, scarves, baby clothes, and other handgoods. No experience or supplies needed; they will be happy to introduce you to their addiction.

Mississippi Mission: Members of St. Mary Anne's support the mission of those who are helping to rebuild the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Our mission committee sends money to the diocese and to those who are able to make mission trips. In conjunction with the Diocese of Easton, members go on mission trips the last two weeks of September and of April.

Coffee Hour: Food and fellowship are very important parts of our life here at St. Mary Anne's. We have Coffee Hour after both services, with some folks arriving a little early for Education Hour so that they can participate in both.

ECW: The Episcopal Church Women is a group that is made up of all of the women in the parish. Their activities range from providing luncheons following funerals, to social events and trips, to providing a table at the Annual Garden Market. The ECW also sponsors a Women's Day of Prayer, which usually occurs during the Lenten Season.

Worship Committee: The Worship Committee meets with the rector to assist in planning for the various liturgical seasons.

Men's 2:42 Club: The Men's 2:42 Club is an informal gathering of the SMA men on Saturdays from Sep-May with the purpose to assist in supporting various SMA efforts and to meet socially usually involving breakfast.

Garden Market: Each spring, St. Mary Anne's hold a Garden Market. This event is a much-anticipated weekend in the town of North East. Folks even take days off from work to come and enjoy the beauty of the plants, the crafts, and of course, the food.

Vacation Bible School: For one week every summer, children from St. Mary Anne's and the surrounding area get together to learn more about God, the world around us, and have lots of fun together. This year's theme was "God's Big Backyard" - and children learned how they can be better stewards of this beautiful earth.

Blessing of the Animals: Each October, the folks at St. Mary Anne's gather for worship with their friends from the animal kingdom. Our 10:30 service is celebrated outside under one of our beautiful trees, and dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, rodents, and pond algae are all blessed.