Episcopal 101

Classes to Begin

Are you new or new-ish to the Episcopal Church? Or maybe you’ve been here a while but still have questions? Join us for 4 sessions of Episcopal 101. All are welcome – no matter how long or short a time you’ve called the Episcopal Church home – or if you aren’t sure yet if it feels like home.

In four sessions, we’ll explore the faith, history, structure, and practices of the Episcopal Church. The foundation for our time together will be based on the book Walk in Love: Episcopal Beliefs and Practices by Scott Gunn and Melody Wilson Shobe. We’ve ordered a number of copies. Fr. John will lead the class.

Bishop Santosh Marray will be with us on Sunday, September 25, 2022 for Confirmation and Reception. Adults who have not been Confirmed or Received into the Episcopal Church can be welcomed into the Church after participating in this series. Episcopalians can also reaffirm their commitment to their faith as adults in the presence of the Bishop – so no matter how long you’ve been Episcopalian, if the Spirit moves you, you might consider that option.

Save the date for the series starting soon and for Bishop San’s September visit now! Please see or email Father John to join in.

Four Wednesdays: July 27, August 3, August 10 and August 25

6:30-8PM in the Parish Hall

For over 20 years, our church hosted The North Elk Coffee House performances. Guest musicians (primarily folk and country performers) entertained the local community in our Parish Hall, with coffee and refreshments served in a “coffee house” setting.

North Elk Coffee House is a ministry of St. Mary Anne’s. Since its inception, funds raised (over $50,000) were given to The Meeting Ground to benefit the local homeless community.

During the pandemic, the Coffee House went on a hiatus and the Coffee House team retired. Now, a new crop of parishioners are intent on bringing back Coffee House performances to our community. We need your support! It’s a great night out–and you already know where to park!

A Coffee House performance by BerdDog Music Club is scheduled for Saturday evening, July 16 in the Parish House. Doors open at 7:00 PM with the performance starting at 7:30PM. Refreshments will be available during the show. There is $15 cover charge at the door that benefits The Meeting Ground

Please show your support and attend the performance on July 16!

*a ministry of St. Mary Anne’s Church

Work began this week on the Bell Tower to prevent future water leaks and repair damaged wood at the base of the dome. A roof contractor used a hydraulic lift for access to the red dome cupola. He power-washed the dome, sealed and repaired its edges, and then applied a new layer of a special sealant paint.

Additional work is planned including: more power washing, cross repair, and a repair to the bell tower roof above the bell. A fresh coat of white paint will complete the project.

This project and funding was approved by the Vestry and managed by Junior Warden George Balog.

On behalf of the Dream Big Scholarship Committee (Fr. John, Becky Flood Hall, Andrew & Janice Flood and Barbara England), Father John presented a $2,050.00 scholarship to parishioner Allison Ann Thress. During last Sunday’s service, Alli gave a heartfelt talk in which she mentioned her future plans and spoke of her St. Mary Anne’s involvement. To summarize: Allison recently graduated from Perryville High School. She achieved distinguished honors which earned her an academic scholarship to St. Mary’s College and Salisbury University. Alli plans to study International Business and Marketing at St. Mary’s College of Maryland this fall. She plans to study abroad to continue her foreign language studies in Spanish and Japanese. Allison is so thankful for the scholarship and all the support she has received from Saint Mary Anne’s church community. The value of this support can’t begin to be measured and will serve as a strong foundation for her future! As our first “Technology Acolyte”, Allison played an integral part in preparing and recording our Sunday services for our You Tube Channel! Each Sunday, she sets up the recording device and microphones. After the service, she edits and inserts the Virtual choir hymn with lyrics. Then, she uploads it to our YouTube channel. Alli also has, along with her sister Leah, read children’s stories from The Jesus Story Book Bible for our YouTube channel. Allison is the daughter of Shelly Ray & Joel Alarcon. Did you know… St Mary Anne’s Dream Big Scholarship was established in 2017 with a generous $25,000 memorial donation given by the children of Elizabeth and Harold Flood. The fund continues to grow with additional donations from generous parishioners, like you! Now, six of our high school graduates have received a scholarship to assist them with their education beyond high school. The recipients are Ethan Kyger, Hannah Sadler, Caroline Dorsett, Kayla Lanouette, Benigna Polanco and now Allison. Contributions to the Dream Big Scholarship are always welcome and can be sent to St. Mary Anne’s Treasurer or donated online at our website

For over 20 years, our church hosted The North Elk Coffee House performances. Guest musicians (primarily folk and country performers) entertained the local community in our Parish Hall, with coffee and refreshments served in a “coffee house” setting. Since its inception, funds raised (over $50,000) were given to The Meeting Ground to benefit the local homeless community.

During the pandemic, the Coffee House went on a hiatus and the Coffee House team retired. Now, a new crop of parishioners are intent on bringing back Coffee House performances to our community.

A Coffee House performance is now scheduled for Saturday evening, July 16 in the Parish House at 7:30PM. Details TBA soon!

We need the support of the parish to get this back up and running! A Coffee House meeting is scheduled for this Wednesday, June 22, 7-8PM in the Parish Hall. Please attend and see how you can make this charitable event and ongoing St. Mary Anne’s ministry a success!