# St Mary Anne's Church > Rooted in the past, reaching for the future Website: https://www.stmaryanne.org Language: en (UTF-8) Charset: UTF-8 Generated: 2026-01-14T17:40:58-05:00 --- # Detailed Content ## Posts ### Annual Meeting - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/annual-meeting-3/ - **Published:** 2026-01-13 - **Modified:** 2026-01-13 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin **Categories:** Meetings Annual Meeting: January 25 Our Annual Meeting is Sunday, January 25, following the 10AM service, in the Parish Hall. Please note there is only one Sunday Service at 10AM. At this important meeting, we discuss our life together, review the past year, and our future. The budget for the 2026 fiscal year is also presented. We need your participation to vote on important matters such as vestry nominees, convention delegates and the mission budget. Thank you.   --- ### St. Mary Anne's Annual Train Day 2026 - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/st-mary-annes-annual-train-day-2026/ - **Published:** 2026-01-08 - **Modified:** 2026-01-08 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin **Categories:** Events, Uncategorized St. Mary Anne’s Annual Family Train Day Saturday, January 10 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fun for the whole family! Kids of all ages love Train Day! Come for lunch, too! --- ### Christmas Holiday Services - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/christmas-holiday-services/ - **Published:** 2025-12-20 - **Modified:** 2025-12-22 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin **Categories:** Worship Worship with us this Christmas! Wednesday, Christmas Eve  5:00PM Family Service with Holy Eucharist, Rite II. Please bring your family! 7:00PM Holy Eucharist Service Rite II with Choir Thursday, Christmas Day 10:00AM--Holy Eucharist Rite II Service Sunday, December 28 10:00AM-Holy Eucharist Rite II Service (Please Note: One service only, this day) Sunday, January 4 8:00AM-Holy Eucharist Rite I Service 10:00AM-Holy Eucharist Rite II Service May your heart be lifted in praise this Christmas for the wonderful gift of Jesus and the joy He brings to our lives. Have a wonderful Christmas and a Blessed New Year! --- ### 8:00 Service Cancelation Today Due to Snow - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/800-service-cancelation-today-due-to-snow/ - **Published:** 2025-12-14 - **Modified:** 2025-12-14 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin **Categories:** Uncategorized Due to today's early morning snowfall, we are canceling the 8:00AM service. We will have a 10:00AM service and welcome Bishop Bud Shand! We hope to see you later this morning, once the roads and sidewalks are clear. --- ### ECW Annual Christmas Cookie Walk - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/ecw-annual-christmas-cookie-walk/ - **Published:** 2025-11-30 - **Modified:** 2025-12-03 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin **Categories:** Church Grounds   Our Annual Christmas Cookie Walk  is on Saturday, December 6th from 9AM to Noon! As in years past, we will sell our delicious homemade Christmas cookies by the pound ($10.00). We will need dozens of cookies, so please help us bake! We need at least 10 dozen cookies per baker. We have large cookie tin pans with covers available for cookie storage and transport. Please pick up your tins in the Parish Center kitchen. Cookie drop-off is on Friday, December 5th, in the Parish kitchen. Hate to bake, but want to help? Decorating the room, folding boxes, and setting up the kitchen are a few ways you can help on Friday, December 5th from 9-Noon. Helpers are also needed to fill cookie trays, and assist customers on Saturday from 8-Noon. We will have signups over the next few weeks. Join in the fun! And, please don’t forget to tell your friends and family to buy their Christmas Cookies from us! Proceeds from this ECW event helps to support many ministry and parish endeavors. --- ### Wreaths Across America 2025 - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/wreaths-across-america-2025/ - **Published:** 2025-11-16 - **Modified:** 2025-11-18 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin **Categories:** Church Grounds Wreaths Across America 2025 REMEMBER the Fallen. HONOR those who Serve. TEACH our children the value of Freedom. On Saturday, December 13, 2025, at 12:00 p.m., St. Mary Anne’s Churchyard will again participate in Wreaths Across America, a national tribute to honor and remember our veterans. You can take part in this meaningful tradition by sponsoring a remembrance wreath for one of the veterans buried in our historic churchyard. Each wreath is a symbol of gratitude and respect for those who served our country. We also welcome volunteers to join us that day, Saturday, December 13 at Noon, as we gather to lay the wreaths and offer prayers of remembrance.   --- ### November Coffee House performer Shanna in a Dress - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/november-coffee-house-shanna-in-a-dress/ - **Published:** 2025-10-31 - **Modified:** 2025-10-31 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin **Categories:** Coffee House --- ### Coffee & Conversation-November 9th - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/coffee-conversation-november/ - **Published:** 2025-10-31 - **Modified:** 2025-10-31 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin **Categories:** Uncategorized Who is My Neighbor? Jesus answered this timeless question in the Parable of the Good Samaritan. At our Food Pantry, we answer it every single day. Come and learn more! Our Food Pantry Coordinator, John Stemen, will share a brief presentation about the Food Pantry during our next Coffee & Conversation on Sunday, November 9, at our 9:15 Coffee Hour (between the 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM Sunday services). Grab a cup of coffee and a snack in the Parish Hall, and learn how this vital St. Mary Anne’s ministry makes a difference in our community.   --- ### Churchyard Clean up Day - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/churchyard-clean-up/ - **Published:** 2025-10-24 - **Modified:** 2025-10-24 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin **Categories:** Uncategorized   Churchyard/Riverbank cleanup-Saturday, November 8, 2025 at 8:00AM The trees along our Churchyard and Rectory riverbanks need trimming, and the nearby goose fencing is overgrown with vegetation. We’re looking for volunteers to help trim trees and replace the goose fence to keep the area clean and well-maintained. Please join us for a Churchyard Cleanup Day on Saturday, November 8, from 8:00 AM-12 noon. Volunteers are encouraged to bring clippers, tarps, rakes, and gloves. Thank you for lending a hand to care for our beautiful grounds! --- ### November Wednesday Women - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/november-wednesday-women-2/ - **Published:** 2025-10-24 - **Modified:** 2025-10-24 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin **Categories:** Meetings Wednesday Women's Luncheon November 5, 2025 12:00PM Parish Hall “Stuffed!” Join us for our November Wednesday Women's Luncheon as we explore the theme “Stuffed!” — and not just our Thanksgiving turkeys! Many of us are realizing that our closets, cabinets, and attics are filled to the brim. From sentimental keepsakes to “I might need that someday” items, we’ve all gathered more than we can possibly use. This lighthearted yet thoughtful program will touch on the art of letting go—drawing inspiration from trends like Swedish Death Cleaning and Marie Kondo’s Joy of Tidying Up. Together we’ll laugh, share stories, and maybe discover a few ways to “unstuff” our lives and our homes. Bring a friend, your appetite, and a sense of humor as we tackle what it means to live more simply and meaningfully. Menu: "Stuffed" peppers, mashed potatoes, salad, dessert. Hostesses: Susan Zerr, Cathy Tosh, and Linda Gibeck Program Moderator: Karen Schaeffer Cost: $15.00 payable that day; check or cash accepted. RSVP by Sunday, November 2 --- ### Fall Planning for the Annual Garden Market - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/fall-planning-for-the-annual-garden-market/ - **Published:** 2025-10-10 - **Modified:** 2025-10-10 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin **Categories:** Education Join Sande Taylor and Shelley Mace on Monday Oct 20 at 10am in the Parish Hall to learn about potting plants in the fall for your spring garden and for donations to the plant table at the Annual Garden Market (May 1-2, 2026). Fall is the perfect time to pot those new seedlings so they can winter over ready for spring planting. Anyone interested is welcome to come. --- ### October Coffee House Performer Douglas Lira - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/october-coffee-house-performer-douglas-lira/ - **Published:** 2025-10-10 - **Modified:** 2025-10-10 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin **Categories:** Coffee House [caption id="attachment_8118" align="aligncenter" width="619"] Screenshot[/caption] --- ### Coffee & Conversation October 12 - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/coffee-conversation-october-12/ - **Published:** 2025-10-02 - **Modified:** 2025-10-02 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin **Categories:** Uncategorized   Coffee and Conversation – October 12 Join us between the 8 and 10 AM services for a warm cup of coffee and friendly fellowship. At 9:15 AM in the Parish Hall, our Treasurer, Barbara England, will give a brief presentation explaining SMA’s budgeting, bank accounts, and the pledging process. --- ### September Coffee House-The Sin City Band Performs - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/september-coffee-house-the-sin-city-band-performs/ - **Published:** 2025-09-19 - **Modified:** 2025-09-19 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin **Categories:** Coffee House --- ### Coffee & Conversation September 14 - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/coffee-conversation/ - **Published:** 2025-08-25 - **Modified:** 2025-10-02 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin **Categories:** Uncategorized Coffee & Conversations 2nd Sundays-between church services September 14th-Melissa Cook-Mackenzie, Town Administrator till give an update on the Town of North East and local happenings.   --- ### Faith & Recovery Service Returns - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/faith-recovery-service-a-12-step-church-service/ - **Published:** 2025-08-25 - **Modified:** 2025-08-25 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin **Categories:** Worship   Faith & Recovery Service A 12-Step Church Service Sunday, September 14th at 6:00PM we'll have our church service supporting those in Recovery. A light meal in the Parish Hall will follow. If you've never been to this service, please come and show your support. This service provides Christ centered hope and support for those in recovery or are struggling with addiction. Family members and friends are welcome to attend. Services will be held on the second Sunday of the month thereafter. --- ### Start off the School Year with a Backpack Blessing and Ice Cream Sundaes! - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/sundae-sunday-2024/ - **Published:** 2025-08-25 - **Modified:** 2025-08-25 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin **Categories:** Events Start off the School Year with a Backpack Blessing and Ice Cream Sundaes! We will do our Annual Blessing of the Backpacks on Sunday, September 7th at both 8 AM and 10 AM services.  Please bring your backpack to church for Father John to bless. You will receive a special gift for your backpack! And after the morning services, enjoy a delicious ice cream treat to celebrate the start of our Church School year! --- ### September Wednesday Women - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/september-wednesday-women/ - **Published:** 2025-08-25 - **Modified:** 2025-08-25 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin **Categories:** Events September Wednesday Women September 3, 2025 at 11:30 am The Rev. Dr. Darcy Williams will be our guest speaker and will talk to us about her Journey to the Priesthood. We will have a catered lunch $15.00 per person payable at the door (cash or check). RSVP Valerie in the church office (office@stmaryanne.org or 410-287-5522) by Friday, August, 29th. --- ### Special July Coffee House performance-Tal Naccarato - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/special-july-coffee-house-performance-tal-naccarato/ - **Published:** 2025-07-09 - **Modified:** 2025-07-09 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin **Categories:** Coffee House --- ### ECW 2025 Covered Dish Picnic - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/ecw-covered-dish-picnic/ - **Published:** 2025-05-10 - **Modified:** 2025-05-13 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin **Categories:** Events Annual ECW Covered Dish Picnic The ECW announces the 2025 date of this wonderful event as Tuesday, June 17th at 6PM. Mary & Ken Blomquist will once again host this lovely gathering at their home on Hances Pointe. All female parishioners are invited to attend but are asked to contribute a covered dish. To RSVP and get directions to the Blomquist home, please contact the church office at office@stmaryanne.org or call 410-287-5522. --- ### May Coffee House Performers, Lisa & Lori Brigantino - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/may-coffee-house-performers-lisa-lori-brigantino/ - **Published:** 2025-05-05 - **Modified:** 2025-05-05 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin **Categories:** Coffee House --- ### Introducing our new Quilt Raffle! - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/introducing-our-new-quilt-raffle/ - **Published:** 2025-04-24 - **Modified:** 2025-04-24 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin **Categories:** Uncategorized   Our St. Mary Anne's Quilters kept busy this past year creating a beautiful new quilt to raffle off at this year's Garden Market. The floral hand-pieced, queen-sized quilt is a "Rose of Sharon" pattern and features rose, French blue and cream colored fabrics. It is now on display in the Parish Hall.   Raffle tickets are $5.00 each or 5 for $20.00. You can purchase your tickets on Sunday, April 27 during Coffee Hour or during the Garden Market. Proceeds will benefit the quilter's SMA Pastoral Quilt Ministry, which provides handmade lap quilts for parishioners who reside in long-term care communities or are homebound.   The quilt will be on display at the Garden Market's SMA Quilters booth, so be sure to stop by and purchase raffle tickets. Two additional quilts will be auctioned at the booth, and a collection of microwave bowl cozies, neck warmers, and dinner napkin sets will be available for purchase.   We are pleased to recognize the work and talents of the following SMA Quilters: Dru Torregrossa, Jacqui McMullen, Pat Wagner, Wendy Gilbert, Judy Hartman, Phyllis Doyle and Linda Gibeck. We also give appreciation to Susan Zerr, a financial contributor to the group.  --- ### Easter Egg Hunt - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/easter-egg-hunt-2/ - **Published:** 2025-04-14 - **Modified:** 2025-04-14 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin **Categories:** Church Grounds                                                       Attention parents and grandparents: We will have an Easter Egg Hunt in our Church yard on Easter Sunday at 9:45AM (between our 8:00 and 10:00AM services). Children to age 12 can participate. Bring your kids to participate in this charming Easter tradition! The Easter Bunny will be making a special appearance! --- ### Holy Week & Easter Schedule - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/holy-week-easter-schedule/ - **Published:** 2025-04-04 - **Modified:** 2025-04-09 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin **Categories:** Uncategorized Palm Sunday, April 13, 2025 A Procession of Palms begins on Hoopes Court at 8AM and 10AM.  We celebrate a two-part service. First, we read the Liturgy of the Palms outside the Sanctuary and then process into the Church waving our palm branches and singing. Next, we have the Liturgy of the Word. It is a dramatic reading of Jesus Last Supper, his betrayal, his trial and crucifixion.   Holy Wednesday, April 16, 2025 Labyrinth Walk; Parish Center; 4-7PM Walk the Labyrinth in our Parish Hall anytime between 4-7PM on Wednesday. We offer the opportunity to focus more deeply on Jesus’ life, and our own journey, as we walk a labyrinth with prayer meditation.   Maundy Thursday, April 17, 2025  At 6:30 PM, we have our Maundy Thursday service with music. Stripping of the Altar is at the conclusion of the Maundy Thursday service.  The Night Watch begins following the Stripping of the Altar. To participate, signup this Sunday or call the church office at 410-287-5522. Watches are in 1-hour increments; feel welcome to sign up for more than 1 hour.   Good Friday, April 18, 2025 At Noon, we commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus with a Good Friday service At 3:00PM, Father John will conduct a Way of Cross service for the Stations of the Cross. Following both services, the church remains open until 6PM for Stations of the cross and personal prayer.   Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025, we bring back the "Alleluia's" as we celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ with three services   6:30AM Rite II Riverfront Service 8:00AM Rite II Church Service 9:45 Easter Egg Hunt in the Churchyard 10:00AM Rite II Church Service --- ### April Coffee House Date Change - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/april-coffee-house-date/ - **Published:** 2025-04-04 - **Modified:** 2025-04-09 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin **Categories:** Uncategorized Because of the Easter holiday, we will be holding Coffee House on the second Saturday instead of our usual third Saturday. The next Coffee House will be Saturday April 12th, when we will welcome Brody Bond from Baltimore. He last played for us in January of 2024. The times remain the same with doors opening at 6:30 and music beginning at 7:00. Suggested donation is $15 and proceeds beyond the fee paid to the performers will go to Meeting Ground for their work with the homeless in Cecil County.  --- ### Easter Flower Offering - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/easter-flower-offering-2/ - **Published:** 2025-04-04 - **Modified:** 2025-04-04 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin **Categories:** Uncategorized We anticipate a glorious Easter celebration in our sanctuary this year, and our Flower Committee is preparing beautiful altar and flowers for the church. At this time, we seek donations to help offset the costs of flowers and materials. We'll have our palms for Palm Sunday, the Garden of Repose for the Night Watch on Maundy Thursday, and the Flowering Cross on Easter Sunday for children to come forward and place daffodils on the cross. The Easter flower envelopes are now in the church. If you do not have an envelope and wish to donate, you may donate online or mail a check in any amount made payable to St. Mary Anne’s and marked “Easter Flowers”. Be sure to include the name(s) of those you would like to remember, honor, or for whom you are thankful. In order to have names included in the Easter bulletin, please respond by Thursday, April 17th. --- ### Wednesday Women - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/wednesday-women-4/ - **Published:** 2025-04-04 - **Modified:** 2025-04-04 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin **Categories:** Uncategorized Wednesday Women Luncheon Recap   Spring was ushered in with friends at this week's Wednesday Women Luncheon. The ladies learned about container gardening techniques by Master Gardener Doris Behnke of the University Maryland Extension. They also enjoyed a catered lunch with homemade salads and desserts.   This month's hostesses were: Mary Beth Kenny, Wendy Gilbert, Sherlene Newton, Anne Bates, Kristen Polanco and Jacqui McMullen.   Mark your calendars: the next Wednesday Women Luncheons are scheduled for September 3rd and November 5th.   --- ### North East Hunger Appeal - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/north-east-hunger-appeal/ - **Published:** 2025-04-04 - **Modified:** 2025-04-04 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin **Categories:** Uncategorized In these uncertain times, it is a blessing to know that the Saint Mary Anne's Food Pantry is a visible and viable ministry. The first quarter of 2025 saw us serving 305 visitors who represented 886 family members. Contributions from outside sources totaled almost $4,400. It is out of this abundance that we give to those in need in our community. We can always do more, and we will, even in these uncertain times. Want to help? Please see the flyer below, detailing a North East Hunger Appeal. Your check or donation can be sent to our church or dropped in our Sunday offering. Please mark "Hunger Appeal" in the notation line. Thank you to our Food Pantry volunteers and to those who generously donate to the Pantry!   --- ### North Elk Coffee House April Performer-Brody Bond - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/north-elk-coffee-house-april-performer-brody-bond/ - **Published:** 2025-04-02 - **Modified:** 2025-04-02 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin **Categories:** Coffee House --- ### Lenten Supper Series - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/lenten-supper-series-2/ - **Published:** 2025-03-10 - **Modified:** 2025-03-18 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin **Categories:** Education This Lent, ponder the themes of justice, poverty, freedom, and love. Join us for our Wednesday evening Lenten Supper series. We’ll be reading, The Final Days, A Lenten Journey through the Gospels by Matt Rawle. We’ll also watch a short DVD followed by discussion. Here’s a synopsis; The four New Testament Gospels aren’t the same story, but they offer the same Resurrection hope. Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John devote most of their story detailing Jesus’ last week in Jerusalem, all highlighting Jesus’ triumphant entry into the city, the suffering and humiliation of the cross, and the empty tomb come Sunday morning, but the stories they tell aren’t quite the same. Each Gospel offers a different lens through which we understand Jesus’ Passion. One portrait reveals Jesus to be in control, while another emphasizes his suffering. In one story Jesus offers hope to the thief on the cross, and in another Jesus only receives derision. These different perspectives reveal an abundant, diverse, and complementary picture of God’s work in the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Our 4 session Wednesday evening schedule is as follows; March 12, 26, April 2, April 9. Each session will run from 5:30pm-7:00pm. We’ll need donations of a hearty Soup, Casserole, Salad, Bread and Dessert. Sign up by calling Valerie in the Parish Office at 410-287-5522 or by email at office@stmaryanne.org Books are available for a suggested donation of $15. You may also purchase an E-book on Amazon. --- ### North Elk Coffee House March Performer--BerdDog Music Club - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/north-elk-coffee-house-march-performer-birddog-music-club/ - **Published:** 2025-03-10 - **Modified:** 2025-03-18 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin **Categories:** Coffee House --- ### Ash Wednesday March 5, 2025 - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/ash-wednesday-march-5-2025/ - **Published:** 2025-02-21 - **Modified:** 2025-02-21 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin **Categories:** Worship Ash Wednesday Services March 5, 2025   Ash Wednesday begins the 40 days of our Lenten Season. We receive ashes to begin the season with an awareness of our mortality and repentance. 7am- Ash Wednesday Service with imposition of ashes and Communion 12:00 noon- Ecumenical Ash Wednesday Service with imposition of ashes at North East Methodist Church. We are joined in fellowship with Pastor Josh Mericle of North East Methodist Church and Pastor Zach Wright from Bethel Lutheran Church, and our combined congregations. 6:30pm- Ash Wednesday Service with imposition of ashes and Communion. Music by Joel Alarcon --- ### Shrove Tuesday 2025 - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/shrove-tuesday-2025/ - **Published:** 2025-02-21 - **Modified:** 2025-02-21 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin **Categories:** Events Join us for yummy pancakes on Shrove Tuesday; Tuesday, March 4, 2025; 5-7PM. The pancake supper will be hosted by the Men's Group. Men of the parish are invited to join in on this yearly tradition. Come on down and eat your fill of delicious pancakes, sausages, hash browns, applesauce the night before Lent begins. Free will donations will be accepted to help benefit our ministries. Attn: Parish Men. Can you help? If so, we can use your assistance between 3:30PM until cleanup after the event. --- ### North Elk Coffee House February Performer-Rupert Wates - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/north-elk-coffee-house-february-performer-rupert-wates/ - **Published:** 2025-02-13 - **Modified:** 2025-02-13 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin **Categories:** Coffee House --- ### Food Pantry Updates - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/food-pantry-updates/ - **Published:** 2025-01-24 - **Modified:** 2025-01-24 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin **Categories:** Uncategorized The Food Pantry is closed on Saturday, January 25, 2025, so volunteers can attend Donne Lewis' funeral. Moving forward, the FP will be closed for every federal holiday and on snow day cancellations (determined by Cecil County Public Schools). Hours remain the same. Monday, Wednesday and Saturdays, 9:30AM-Noon. Father John reports that yesterday's Food Pantry meeting was well attended and productive. After opening with a prayer for the recently deceased Food Pantry Coordinator, Donne Lewis, Father John led the discussion about issues and concerns, and future leadership. John Stemen will be in charge of food procurement, inventory, vendors and community involvement. George Kaplan will handle client management, scheduling volunteers until April, Federal Food and the Cecil County Help Center. Barb England, our Parish Treasurer, will provide financial management. Organizing is underway. We are grateful to these individuals and all the volunteers who expressed their willingness to continue with this important ministry. Did you know... The SMA Food Pantry served 32 families last week (1/13-1/18). Bethel Lutheran Church gives the Food Pantry a carload of food every other Saturday. The SMA Food Pantry is in need of a love seat for the front lobby. --- ### Vestry Nominees - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/7946-2/ - **Published:** 2025-01-24 - **Modified:** 2025-01-24 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin **Categories:** Uncategorized As we approach the Annual Meeting on January 26th, we need to focus our attention on the election of new Vestry members. The basic responsibilities of the Vestry are to help define and articulate the mission of the congregation; to support the church's mission by word and deed, to select the rector, to ensure effective organization and planning, and to manage resources and finances. Vestry members are elected at the annual parish meeting. The presiding officer of the Vestry is the rector/priest-in-charge. We have one Vestry vacancy to be filled, along with two incumbents seeking another term. Rotating off Vestry is Dawn Rodenbaugh. We are grateful for her service thank her for her commitment. Mike Pugh  and John McFassel, are our incumbents seeking another full-term. Kathy Mullen is seeking her first term. We have listed these nominees with bios in our weekly Enews, so please review prior to the Annual Meeting. Other nominations may be made from the floor, but those nominations must be members who meet the qualifications of eligibility as defined in Article V, Section 1 of our Bylaws and must have the consent and approval of the member nominated. As is St. Mary Anne’s policy, all nominations from the floor must be submitted two weeks prior to the Annual Meeting in order that they may be verified as to the qualifications of eligibility as defined in our Bylaws, their willingness to serve, and in order that their biographical information may be presented to the parish in advance of the Annual Meeting. Thank you for your attention to this important matter, and to those who are willing to serve. --- ### Revelation Bible Study - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/revelation-bible-study/ - **Published:** 2025-01-24 - **Modified:** 2025-01-24 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin **Categories:** Uncategorized A Book of Revelation Bible Study will begin on Saturday, February 1, 2025. Father Sam Hartman, Rector Emeritus, will lead this fascinating study of the New Testament's last book. The group will meet in the Vestry House on Saturdays at 11:00AM. Bring your Bible! Please join in! --- ### Valentine Luncheon - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/7943-2/ - **Published:** 2025-01-24 - **Modified:** 2025-01-24 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin **Categories:** Uncategorized Join us for our Valentine Luncheon Date: Sunday, February 9 Time: 12:00 noon Place: Parish Hall Menu: Baked Ziti (with sausage or meatless), Tossed Salad and Caesar Salad, Bread, Beverages, Assorted cookies and cupcakes      Dress: We encourage you to wear festive Valentine attire (red or pink!) Cost: Generous free-will offerings are kindly requested and appreciated. Proceeds to benefit the SMA Food Pantry in Donne Lewis’ honor, as she was our Food Pantry Coordinator for many years until her death on January 5, 2025. Reservations are Required: Sign-up on Sunday following the church service. We will comfortably accommodate 84 diners in our Parish Hall for this luncheon, so please reserve your space. If you won’t be in church on Sunday, you can reserve your spot by calling our parish office at 410-287-5522. Thank you in advance for joining us in this wonderful luncheon. Beyond being our Food Pantry Outreach Coordinator, Donne was the past chair of our Fellowship Committee and hosted a Valentine Luncheon for many years so this is a fitting tribute to her memory! --- ### 2025 Annual Meeting - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/2025-annual-meeting/ - **Published:** 2025-01-23 - **Modified:** 2025-01-23 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin **Categories:** Meetings We will have a Combined Service at 10:00AM this Sunday, January 26th. Following the service, we will gather in the Parish Center for our Annual Church Meeting.   We encourage all parishioners to attend this important meeting. At that time, we will vote for Vestry Members and convention delegates, review our 2024 Annual Report, vote for the Mission Committee budget, and present our budget for the new year. --- ### North Elk Coffee House January 2025 Performers - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/north-elk-coffee-house-january-2025-performers/ - **Published:** 2025-01-07 - **Modified:** 2025-01-07 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin **Categories:** Coffee House --- ### Wednesday Women Luncheon Returns - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/wednesday-women-luncheon-returnsa/ - **Published:** 2024-12-30 - **Modified:** 2024-12-30 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin **Categories:** Meetings   January will soon be here, and we are happy that Wednesday Women returns on Wednesday, January 8th from Noon-2PM! It promises to be another lovely luncheon and opportunity for parish women to get to know each other over lunch and activities in our Parish Center. After enjoying a fabulous lunch, the Wednesday women will be participating in creating a "giving blanket" for a child. This month's hostesses are: Dru Torregrossa, Pat Wagner, Judy Hartman and Phyllis Doyle. The cost for the luncheon is $15.00 per person and is payable that day. We hope both longtime and newer parishioners from both 8:00AM and 10:00AM Services will attend.  Future Wednesday Women Luncheons are scheduled periodically throughout the year--but don't miss this one!  If there is someone new to invite, please reach out to them and encourage them to join in! --- ### 2025 Train Day - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/train-day-returns/ - **Published:** 2024-12-27 - **Modified:** 2024-12-30 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin **Categories:** Uncategorized Our Family Train Day Returns on January 4th! St. Mary Anne’s Mission Committee has hosted a model train show in the Parish Center for thirteen years. Model train enthusiasts of all ages chase the cold winter blues away with their passion for model railroading. Visitors are treated to up to nine working model train layouts featuring Standard gauge, O gauge, S, HO, and N gauge trains. The five hour free event attracts hundreds of visitors from our local area. Through the sale of raffle tickets and refreshments and lunch, in addition to donations, recent events have raised in excess of $1700.00. --- ### The Annual Christmas Cookie Walk - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/the-annual-christmas-cookie-walk/ - **Published:** 2024-12-05 - **Modified:** 2024-12-05 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin **Categories:** Uncategorized It's that Time of Year to Walk the Cookie Walk! Our Annual Christmas Cookie Walk  is this Saturday, December 7th from 9AM to Noon! As in years past, we will sell our delicious homemade Christmas cookies by the pound ($9.00). Please invite your family and friends to buy our delicious homemade cookies or candy by the pound! Our boxed treats make the perfect hostess gift, Christmas present, and late night snack treat! Proceeds benefit our parish's Episcopal Church Women and their ministry endeavors. Parking available on S. Main in front of the Parish Center until 11:30am. No later, please, due to the parade! Parking is also available across the street, compliments of our friends at North East Methodist Church. Also, our lot on Church Point Road is available. --- ### Thanksgiving Day Service - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/thanksgiving-day-service-3/ - **Published:** 2024-11-25 - **Modified:** 2024-11-26 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin **Categories:** Uncategorized At St. Mary Anne's, we traditionally remember to "Give thanks to the Lord for he is good; his love endures forever" (Psalm 118), with our 10AM Thanksgiving Day Service. Our beautiful liturgy and music sets the tone for this special holiday of Thanksgiving. Invite your family and friends to this meaningful service and make this your annual Thanksgiving tradition. --- ### Wreaths Across America - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/wreaths-across-america-4/ - **Published:** 2024-11-24 - **Modified:** 2024-11-26 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin **Categories:** Church Grounds   Our Annual Wreaths Across America event will be on Saturday, December 14 at Noon in the churchyard. We rely on donations to fund the wreaths for our veterans' graves. Wreaths are $17.00 each. Click here to order online. Please purchase before November 27th in order for wreaths to arrive in time. Questions? Ask Jennifer Swoboda. You won't want to miss this special and memorable event! --- ### Giving Tree - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/giving-tree-4/ - **Published:** 2024-11-23 - **Modified:** 2024-11-23 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin **Categories:** Uncategorized One of our yearly outreach projects is the Giving Tree, which commits to providing Christmas gifts for local children who would otherwise do without. This year our Giving Tree project sponsors children in need from Bayview Elementary School. Names will be available in the Parish Hall, Sunday November 24th. A Christmas tree, decorated with remaining names, will be in the Parish Hall on Sunday, December 1, after the 8 and 10AM services. Deadline for gift return is Sunday, December 15th. Linda Hunt is the Giving Tree Coordinator, and can answer any of your questions. --- ### Food Pantry Turkey Distribution - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/food-pantry-turkey-distribution/ - **Published:** 2024-11-23 - **Modified:** 2024-11-23 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin **Categories:** Uncategorized Our Outreach Food Pantry has been busy this week not only with a food delivery but also their Annual Turkey Distribution. On Thursday, Food Pantry volunteers distributed over 30 turkeys and the fixings to Food Pantry clients. They will have a second distribution before Christmas. Thank you for making the holidays a little brighter for our neighbors this holiday season! --- ### Vestry Notes- November 20, 2024 - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/vestry-notes-november-20-2024/ - **Published:** 2024-11-23 - **Modified:** 2024-11-23 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin **Categories:** Uncategorized The Vestry met on Wednesday evening at 6:30. The following are brief highlights. The full meeting minutes are typically available a week before the next monthly meeting. The Vestry meeting opened with a service of Compline from the BCP, pg. 127. Fr. John reported on his recent trip with Karen to Italy. He requested the minutes reflect his thanks to the Church and Fr. Sam during their time away. More complete trip notes will be in the e-News of Friday 11/21/24 (see above). Senior Warden Mike Pugh reported on meetings he covered for Fr. John. Junior Warden George Balog stressed that plantings around the church foundation should be removed. After consultation with various experts, plantings around the foundation can cause water retention and eventual the structural integrity to weaken. Garden Committee members, Sande Taylor and Linda Gibeck will handle this project. The Treasurer’s Report by Barbara England was offered. Barbara said we are on track for 2024 but noted rising expenses for goods and services. We were also briefed on our 2025 Stewardship campaign and she will have further details in December. Vestry Liaison Reports- Food Pantry is extremely busy. They served 126 families in October. That’s 391 people! We thank Donne Lewis and her team. The Mission Committee is working on their 2025 budget and allocations of funds. The Coffee House has had a successful 2024 season and will now go “dark” (showbiz term) until January. ECW has the Cookie Walk planned for December 7. New Business- The Vestry Nominating Committee is working on interviewing candidates for the class of 2025. The next Vestry Meeting will be Wednesday December 11, 2024 at 6:30pm in the Vestry House. --- ### Grazie! - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/grazie/ - **Published:** 2024-11-23 - **Modified:** 2024-11-23 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin **Categories:** Uncategorized Grazie! Dear Parishioners, Karen and I are deeply grateful to Father Sam and all parishioners who assisted with worship services and administrative duties during the past three weeks. During our time away, we had the incredible opportunity to travel to Italy. With the invaluable help of Jonathan Balog—a licensed Roman tour guide and the son of parishioners George and Barbara Balog—we explored a Roman catacomb, the Vatican, and other religious sites. In Rome, we did plenty of walking, logging over 18,000 steps on some days! One highlight was touring the Roman Colosseum, the Forum, and Palatine Hill. Another was visiting the Galleria Borghese, where we marveled at Caravaggio's paintings and Bernini's sculptures. After a week in Rome, we traveled to Florence, staying at the Carriage House (guesthouse) of St. James Episcopal Church (church pictured). Father Sam, our Rector Emeritus, served as Rector there from 1983 to 1990. It was a joy not only to worship at beautiful St. James but also to explore Florence. Memorable moments included seeing Michelangelo's David, visiting the Uffizi Gallery, admiring the Duomo, and exploring the Basilica of San Lorenzo. The beauty of our Christian faith shone brightly in the breathtaking paintings, sculptures, and mosaics we encountered. It was inspiring to see tourists of many cultures and faith traditions drawn to these faith-affirming masterpieces. Beyond Florence, we traveled to Pisa, Siena, San Gimignano, and Venice. St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice left us especially awestruck. Each destination offered unique architecture, fascinating history, and breathtaking works of art. This journey was truly a memorable and faith-affirming experience. We are sincerely thankful to Father Sam and Judi Hartman, as well as George and Barbara Balog, for their invaluable guidance in planning this special trip. We also greatly appreciate the support provided through SMA clergy continuing education money, which helped fund a portion of our travels. Lastly, we extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who ensured the parish ran smoothly during our absence. We are profoundly grateful for the time away, which offered us education, renewal, and exploration. Grazie! Father John and Karen --- ### November North Elk Coffee House Performers-The Honey Badgers - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/november-north-elk-coffee-house-performers-the-honey-badgers/ - **Published:** 2024-11-15 - **Modified:** 2024-11-15 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin **Categories:** Coffee House --- ### The ECW is Baking-up another Cookie Walk! - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/the-ecw-is-baking-up-another-cookie-walk/ - **Published:** 2024-11-15 - **Modified:** 2024-11-15 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin **Categories:** Events Our Annual Christmas Cookie Walk  is on Saturday, December 7th from 9AM to Noon! As in years past, we will sell our delicious homemade Christmas cookies by the pound ($9.00). We will need dozens of cookies, so please help us bake! We need at least 5 dozen cookies per baker. We have large cookie tin pans with covers available for cookie storage and transport. Please pick up your tins in the Parish Center kitchen. Cookie drop-off is on Friday, December 6th, in the Parish kitchen. Hate to bake, but want to help? Decorating the room, folding boxes, and setting up the kitchen are a few ways you can help on Friday, December 6th from 9-Noon. Helpers are also needed to fill cookie trays, and assist customers on Saturday from 8-Noon. We will have signups over the next few weeks. Join in the fun! And, please don't forget to tell your friends and family to buy their Christmas Cookies from us! Proceeds from this ECW event helps to support many ministry and parish endeavors.   [caption id="attachment_2989" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Christmas Cookie Walk[/caption] --- ### Family Train Day Banner Contest - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/family-train-day-banner-contest/ - **Published:** 2024-09-27 - **Modified:** 2024-09-27 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin **Categories:** Uncategorized Our next Family Train Day will be on Saturday, Jan. 4. Our street banner (shown here above), which the town hangs over Main Street for two weeks prior to the event each year, is quite worn and needs to be replaced. So, we are having a contest for a new design! The deadline is Oct. 31.  The winner will receive an O-gauge train set (donated by Garrett and Dawn Dorsett) and, of course, will see their design displayed over Main Street each year during the week of Christmas. The contest is open to all, not just St. Mary Anne’s members.  Click here for detailed information.  Questions? — talk to George Kaplan, or email him at gkaplan@zoominternet.net .   For more details about the contest, click here: Family Train Day Banner Design Contest (1) --- ### UPDATED Parish Picnic-September 29, 2024 - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/parish-picnic-2/ - **Published:** 2024-09-25 - **Modified:** 2024-09-26 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin **Categories:** Church Grounds   The Bishop's Annual Visitation in the Church at 10AM! Sunday, September 29, 2024 and Our Church Picnic, brimming with plenty of delicious food, in The Parish Hall following the Service. A decision about an inside or outside service and festivities, will be made by 11AM on Saturday. We will inform the parish by email, shortly thereafter. Rain or not, we will have only ONE Sunday service that day at 10AM. If the forecast is good, outside set-up is scheduled for 1:00PM on Saturday. Help is needed! The church will provide pit beef, turkey and ham from Fast Eddie's. We request that attendees furnish a side dish, salad, or dessert to add to the menu. Please bring your covered dish to the Parish Kitchen, ready to serve, on Sunday morning only. Complimentary kayaking at our wharf, courtesy of Bay Venture Outfitters, is available for family fun! We will share a link to sign-up in a forthcoming Enews.   --- ### St Francis Day--Blessing of the Animals - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/st-francis-day-blessing-of-the-animals/ - **Published:** 2024-09-18 - **Modified:** 2024-09-18 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin **Categories:** Church Grounds     Blessing of the Animals Join us Sunday, October 6th, as we celebrate St. Francis Day. We will bless our beloved pets at our 8:00AM and 10:00AM services. If the weather is pleasant, our services and blessings will be outside. Please remember to dress accordingly if we have the services outside. If it is raining cats and dogs, we will meet in the Parish Hall. We all enjoy meeting your favorite family pets--so be sure to bring them for a blessing! --- ### 2024-2025 North Elk Coffee House Season Begins in September - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/2023-2024-north-elk-coffee-house-season-begins-in-september/ - **Published:** 2024-09-05 - **Modified:** 2024-09-05 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin **Categories:** Coffee House   The North Elk Coffee House performances will resume on 21 Sep with our very own Joel Alarcon, Sr. Doors open at 7:00 pm and music starts at 7:30.   Proceeds benefit Meeting Ground and their work assisting homeless individuals in Cecil County. Suggested donation only at the door: $15   --- ### Bible study of Genesis - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/bible-study-of-genesis/ - **Published:** 2024-09-04 - **Modified:** 2024-09-05 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin **Categories:** Education   A traditional Bible study of Genesis starts on September 21st at 10 AM-11:15 for ten weeks. The course will finish before Thanksgiving. Attendees are asked to bring their favorite Bible. The group will meet in the Vestry House. Marlene Coffey and Janice Flood will lead the group through Genesis. Discussions will start with Genesis 1-5 . If you have any questions or plan to attend, please contact: Janice Flood-jmflood45@gmail.com or Marlene Coffey-grambee11@hotmail.com --- ### Whispers of Romantic Dreams Concert - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/whispers-of-romantic-dreams-concert/ - **Published:** 2024-08-09 - **Modified:** 2024-08-09 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin **Categories:** Music A Romantic Concert, Talented Musicians, and Brazilian Treats! You’re invited to “Whispers of Romantic Dreams,” a captivating viola and piano recital on Saturday, August 17th at 4:00 pm at Saint Mary Anne’s! Enjoy the rich sounds of the Romantic period with works by Brahms, Wieniawski, Rachmaninoff, and Pixinguinha. Featuring Fabio Dantas, Viola and Guzal Isametdinova, Piano. Admission is free, and donations to the artists are welcome. After the performance, join us for a reception featuring delicious Brazilian treats prepared by Fabio. We look forward to sharing this enchanting afternoon with you! --- ### North Elk Coffee House May Performer- Dave Rowe - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/north-elk-coffee-house-may-performer-dave-rowe/ - **Published:** 2024-05-06 - **Modified:** 2024-05-06 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin **Categories:** Coffee House --- ### Butterfly Quilt Raffle - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/butterfly-quilt-raffle/ - **Published:** 2024-04-26 - **Modified:** 2024-04-26 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin **Categories:** Uncategorized Now is your chance to purchase raffle tickets for the Butterflies in the Garden quilt! Purchase tickets at our Annual Garden Market on May 3 (9-6PM) and May 4 (9-4PM) or do so online at https://www.stmaryanne.org/donate/ . Be sure to type "quilt tickets" in the memo and leave your email address for ticket numbers. The winning ticket will be drawn at the close of the Garden Market on Saturday, May 4. Tickets are $5.00 each or 5 chances to win for $20.00. We will limit ticket sales to 500 chances. --- ### Donations and Help Needed for Garden Market - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/donations-and-help-needed-for-garden-market/ - **Published:** 2024-04-26 - **Modified:** 2024-04-26 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin **Categories:** Uncategorized We Need Your Help! Work at a booth, such as the Bake Table, the Silent Auction, the ECW Plant Table, Duck Races and Children's Marigold Planting. Or, help with set-up before the event and takedown after. Also, we need greeters and bakers. Old Fool's Tools Booth Please feel welcome to leave your donations of gently used tools, gardening equipment and fishing gear in the Parish Center garage throughout the month of April. We appreciate your donations but do not want any broken or rusty items. We resell your items for a "name your price" donation to benefit the church. Thank you! ECW Plant Table Needs Dig and pot now and bring labeled donations to the Parish Center April 29 to May 1st. Pots and labels are beside the Parish Center garage. We need several flat wagons to help move plants and watering cans. If you have one, may we borrow it for the Garden Market? Email Sande Taylor at mamacass4@verion.net Thank you in advance for any assistance and plants you can offer to benefit the ECW's Plant Table. Soda Donations Needed! The ECW Garden Market Hot Dog Stand needs contributions of 12oz canned sodas of either Coke or Pepsi products. Please leave in Parish Center kitchen marked ECW Garden Market.  Thank you in advance for your help with the Hot Dog Stand! --- ### Kid's Clothing Drive - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/kids-clothing-drive/ - **Published:** 2024-04-26 - **Modified:** 2024-04-26 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin **Categories:** Uncategorized We are now collecting new children's clothes for the Deep Roots organization, as they celebrate ten years of helping homeless families in Cecil County. Since their population changes regularly, they ask for any size and type of NEW children’s clothes. Boxes are placed in the Vestry House and the Parish Center, to make it simple for you to drop off your donations when you attend Sunday services. The clothing will be delivered on Saturday, April 27. Thanks very much! --- ### April Vestry Meeting Notes - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/april-vestry-meeting-notes/ - **Published:** 2024-04-26 - **Modified:** 2024-04-26 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin **Categories:** Uncategorized The following are highlights from the Wednesday, April 17, 2024 Vestry Meeting. As always, complete Vestry Minutes are available to the Parish a few weeks after each meeting. ·       Father John opened the meeting with a prayer service of Compline (BCP 127). ·       He reported that our Holy Week and Easter Services exceeded our attendance figures of the last few years. He thanked all our committees and groups for making our worship time beautiful. ·       Senior Warden Mike Pugh was welcomed back from his short-time away. Mike has a number of projects he is working on with the Vestry and Fr. John. ·       Junior Warden George Balog reported that our property and buildings are in good shape but attention is needed on a few small repairs and refurbishing. New carpet was installed in the Parish Offices by Pro Flooring. ·       Treasurer Barb England reported that our financials are in order. She thanks parishioners for keeping their pledge giving up to date. Barbara noted that a $5,000 gift, on behalf of the church, was given to mission partner, the Paris Foundation, to help with their new building. This worthy foundation serves the homeless in Cecil County. Other Reports: ·       The Food Pantry is very busy as they continue to serve the hungry 3 days a week in Cecil County. ·       The Coffee House April performance is Saturday, April 20. Proceeds benefit the Meeting Ground which serves the homeless. ·       Garden Market Co-Chair Dawn Rodenbaugh reported that we are on track for a successful event. Dawn asks our Parish for volunteers to help with set-up, and to review this week's special edition Enews for details of the event. Please sign up to help on May 2-5. New Business: ·       Father John and the Vestry approved our Parochial Report. This annual report to the Diocese and national Episcopal Church records our attendance, financials, activities and challenges throughout 2023. The good news is that our attendance is up over 20% from 2022. ·       The Parish Picnic is set for Sunday, September 29. On that day, we welcome Bishop Santosh Murray for his annual visitation. We are hopeful to have him receive new members into our parish family and confirm a few youth and adults. We will have one outdoor service at 10:00AM followed by the picnic. Please mark your calendars now. Old Business: ·       A reminder that the gravesite cost in our churchyard is increasing from $600.00 to $1,000.00 beginning May 1st. If interested in purchasing a site(s) prior to the increase, please contact the church office.   The next Vestry meeting is May 15 at 6:30PM in the Parish Center. --- ### North Elk Coffee House April Performer-Kate MacLeod's Mind the Gap - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/north-elk-coffee-house-april-performer/ - **Published:** 2024-04-10 - **Modified:** 2024-04-11 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin **Categories:** Coffee House --- ### Young Performers Concert - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/young-performers-concert-2/ - **Published:** 2024-03-13 - **Modified:** 2024-03-13 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin **Categories:** Events, Music --- ### Labyrinth Walk during Holy Week - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/labyrinth-walk/ - **Published:** 2024-03-12 - **Modified:** 2024-03-12 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin **Categories:** Events   Returning this year is the Labyrinth Walk! There will be 2 sessions: 12-2PM and 5-7PM on Wednesday March 27th. A labyrinth helps direct one's focus toward God. Unlike a maze, which has dead ends and the possibility of getting lost, a labyrinth is a single path that winds from the outer edge in a circuitous way to the center.  This path sometimes takes unexpected twists and turns as we walk. In this way, it resembles the journey of life.  A labyrinth is used for walking meditation. Labyrinths are used worldwide as a way to quiet the mind, calm anxieties, recover balance in life, enhance creativity, encourage meditation, insight, and a way to get closer to God. --- ### Holy Week Schedule - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/holy-week-schedule-3/ - **Published:** 2024-03-12 - **Modified:** 2024-03-13 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin **Categories:** Uncategorized Journey with us through Holy Week (March 24-31, 2024) Palm Sunday, 8AM and 10AM Services begin on Hoopes Court for the Procession of the Palms. Monday Evening Prayer Service 6:30PMBeautiful prayer service with candlelight. Tuesday Healing Prayer Service with music 6:00PM. Wednesday RETURNING Labyrinth Walk; Parish Center; 2 Sessions 12-2PM and 5-7PM  for meditation and prayer as you walk the Labyrinth. Maundy Thursday Eucharist and Music; 6:30 PM Church; Stripping of the Altar to follow Night Watch begins Thursday at 9PM following the Altar Stripping, and continues until Noon on Good Friday. Good Friday Service at 12 Noon with music. Friday Church open for Stations of the Cross, prayer and meditation. 12-6PM Friday and 12-6PM Saturday. Easter Sunday 6:30AM Outdoor riverbank Sunrise Service; 8AM and 10AM (with choir) Holy Eucharist and Music Easter Egg Hunt for our little ones between 8 and 10AM Services on Easter Sunday. Starting at approximately 9:40AM.     --- ### North Elk Coffee House March Performer--Rupert Wates - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/march-north-elk-coffee-house-performer/ - **Published:** 2024-03-12 - **Modified:** 2024-03-12 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin **Categories:** Coffee House --- ### Way of Love Lenten Suppers - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/way-of-love-lenten-suppers/ - **Published:** 2024-02-20 - **Modified:** 2024-02-20 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin **Categories:** Events Is a great way to connect with others, deepen your faith and have some food and lively discussion! If you’re new to SMA or a long time member please join us! Our Lenten Supper Way of Love series will begin on Wednesday, February 28th. This will be the first supper in the series of 3. Each session starts at 5:30 and ends at 7:00pm in the Parish Hall. The next suppers will be on March 6 and 13. Sign-up sheets will be available after each Sunday service in the Parish Hall during Coffee Hour. You may also call the office. Please sign up for all 3 sessions. There is no cost, but we ask that you bring a hearty soup, favorite casserole, salad or dessert to share with the group. Bread and beverages will be provided. --- ### Ash Wednesday Services - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/ash-wednesday-services-2/ - **Published:** 2024-02-02 - **Modified:** 2024-02-02 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin **Categories:** Worship Ash Wednesday Services February 14, 2024 Ash Wednesday begins the 40 days of our Lenten Season. We receive ashes to begin the season with an awareness of our mortality and repentance. 7am- Ash Wednesday Service with imposition of ashes and Communion 12:00 noon- Ecumenical Ash Wednesday Service with imposition of ashes at St. Mary Anne's. We are joined in fellowship with Pastor Zach Wright, organist Sylke Bargsten and the people from Bethel Lutheran Church, and Family Pastor, Josh Mericle, and the people of North East United Methodist Church. 6:30pm- Ash Wednesday Service with imposition of ashes and Communion. Music by Joel Alarcon --- ### North Elk Coffee House February Performer-The Sin City Band - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/north-elk-coffee-house-february-performers/ - **Published:** 2024-02-02 - **Modified:** 2024-02-02 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin **Categories:** Coffee House --- ### Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/shrove-tuesday-pancake-supper-4/ - **Published:** 2024-02-02 - **Modified:** 2024-02-02 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin **Categories:** Events --- ### North Elk Coffee House January Performer Brody Bond - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/north-elk-coffee-house-january-performer-brody-bond/ - **Published:** 2024-01-09 - **Modified:** 2024-01-09 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin **Categories:** Coffee House, Uncategorized January Coffee House featuring Brody Bond The North Elk Coffee House returns with performer Brody Bond on Saturday evening, January 20, 2024. Doors open at 7:00 with showtime at 7:30PM in our Parish Center. Brody Bond is a performing songwriter from Baltimore, Maryland. Audiences are taken by surprising melodies and lyrics that reframe how people can receive and perceive the world. Brody’s performances are light-hearted, but the songs are serious, poetic, and curious. https://brodybond.com/ Donations at the door benefit Meeting Ground, a local organization that assists homeless individuals and families. Suggested donation is $15.00. Help is always needed with this fun ministry of coffee and entertainment. Baked goods, servers, set-up and table takedown are needed the day of the show. If you can assist, please contact Donna Boyd (410) 287-9229  or John McFassel (410) 287-3133 2024 --- ### Coffee & Conversation with Father John Schaeffer - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/coffe-conversation-with-father-john-schaeffer/ - **Published:** 2024-01-04 - **Modified:** 2024-01-04 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin **Categories:** Church Grounds This your chance to ask Father John your questions about his life and his ministry that you’ve been wondering about - why and when did he leave the Catholic faith and joined the Episcopal Church, why did his title change from our Rector to Priest in Charge (in charge of what?), how he met Karen, and how could the Steelers lose so many games. --- ### Christmas Services - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/christmas-services-2/ - **Published:** 2023-12-12 - **Modified:** 2023-12-14 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin **Categories:** Uncategorized Please join us this Christmas to celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ! Christmas Eve Services: Family Service 5:00PM Service with the String Quartet 7:00PM Christmas Day Service 10AM --- ### Wreaths Across America 2023 - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/wreaths-across-america-2023/ - **Published:** 2023-12-10 - **Modified:** 2023-12-14 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin **Categories:** Uncategorized On December 16 at 12:00 pm, Wreaths Across America returns to St. Mary Anne's Cemetery to remember and honor our veterans through the laying of remembrance wreaths on the graves of our country's fallen heroes. Please, help us secure enough wreaths for this year’s event by using this new link. Bonus Buy using above link we will get an additional wreath for every 2 purchased!   --- ### North Elk Coffee House this Saturday! - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/north-elk-coffee-house-this-saturday/ - **Published:** 2023-11-18 - **Modified:** 2023-11-18 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin **Categories:** Uncategorized --- ### Thanksgiving Day Service - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/thanksgiving-day-service-2/ - **Published:** 2023-11-18 - **Modified:** 2023-11-18 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin **Categories:** Uncategorized Before the turkey and football this Thanksgiving, please don't forget to thank God for all your blessings! You can do that at our wonderful Thanksgiving morning worship service at 10AM. This year, make this your most important Thanksgiving tradition! Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto Him with psalms.(Psalm 95:2) --- ### A Fire in the Churchyard - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/a-fire-in-the-churchyard/ - **Published:** 2023-11-18 - **Modified:** 2023-11-18 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin **Categories:** Uncategorized A commercial lawnmower from our landscaper caught on fire Tuesday afternoon in our churchyard. The fire was attended to by Chris Tome, his two employees, Fr. John and the North East Fire Company. Thankfully, the damage was minimal and the spread contained. --- ### A Truck-full of Turkeys! - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/a-truck-full-of-turkeys/ - **Published:** 2023-11-18 - **Modified:** 2023-11-18 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin **Categories:** Uncategorized Our Food Pantry clients will enjoy turkey and the fixings this Thanksgiving thanks to the efforts of our Food Pantry workers on Thursday. Donnie Lewis, who manages our Food Pantry, rallied her Food Pantry volunteers and assistance from Dexter House, to hand out approximately 80 turkeys and meal accompaniments to Food Pantry clients. It was a joy to see this annual tradition return after the long pandemic hiatus! --- ### Pledge Reminder - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/pledge-reminder/ - **Published:** 2023-11-18 - **Modified:** 2023-11-18 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin **Categories:** Uncategorized Loved ones, Sometimes life gets busy and things are put aside for a bit. For those who have not yet pledged for 2024, we're reaching out with hearts full of hope and a simple ask: support our church, support our community. In the past year, we've seen incredible moments of kindness, connection, and growth within our church family. But to keep this flame alive, we need your support. Your pledge of financial support, will help us extend our arms further into the Cecil County community helping the hungry and homeless, supporting our programs for senior ministry, our Recovery ministry, teaching our children, and maintaining the warm embrace of our sacred space. Let's weave a tapestry of love, compassion, and faith together. Your support means the world to us. To donate, please the pledge button on this website or drop your pledge envelope in the offering plate on Sunday. Thank you for being the heartbeat of our community. Warm regards, Fr. John and the Vestry of St. Mary Anne’s   --- ### Giving Tree 2023 - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/giving-tree-2023/ - **Published:** 2023-11-18 - **Modified:** 2023-11-18 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin **Categories:** Uncategorized One of our yearly outreach projects is the Giving Tree, which commits to providing Christmas gifts for local children who would otherwise do without. This year our Giving Tree project sponsors children in need from North East Elementary School. A Christmas tree, decorated with names, will be in the Parish Hall on Sunday, November 26th, after the 8 and 10AM services. Deadline for gift return is Sunday, December 17th. Linda Hunt is the Giving Tree Coordinator, and can answer any of your questions.   --- ### November Vestry Meeting - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/november-vestry-meeting/ - **Published:** 2023-11-18 - **Modified:** 2023-11-18 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin **Categories:** Uncategorized The Vestry met on Wednesday evening, and here are the highlights: John thanked Fr. Sam for taking the Sunday Services during his recent trip to visit family in Connecticut. In addition, our Sunday attendance is steady with a slight growth in numbers. We would like to see more people at Coffee Hours and more signups for Coffee hosting. Hosts can combine forces and work as teams, too! Plans are underway for special services on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Senior Warden: No report, all is in order. Junior Warden: The back gate is repaired, recoated, and mounted. Mr. Hamilton is doing fine work. The next gate repair is on the sidewalk gate at Church Point Road. Treasurer: Our finances are in order. We are watching our budget closely and following our 2023 plan. Pledges for 2023 are coming in at 96%. Our 2024 Stewardship Campaign is winding down. We are happy to report 12 new pledge units but at this time, we are under our 2023 pledge amount. We are asking those who haven't pledged, to consider helping us in 2024. Vestry Liaison Reports: Food Pantry: Offering 80 turkeys for Thanksgiving and Christmas. We have a growing number of individuals and families now being served weekly. We are grateful have Outreach funds in place to serve those in need. Mission Committee: Busy planning 2024 budget and looking for more opportunities to help more people. Choir/Music: Plans are in place for the choir to perform in Advent and at our 7PM Christmas Eve Service. Coffee House: Last performance of 2023 is this Saturday at 7:30PM. We can use a few good people to help with set-up and take-down. ECW: The elections for new officers was held at their November meeting: Dru Torregrossa, President; Phyllis Doyle, Vice-President; Nancy Leizear, Recording Secretary; Andrea Pugh, Treasurer, and Directors are Kathy Mullen, Judy Coudon, and Wendy Gilbert. A budget is now in place for 2024 and by-laws updated. Christmas Cookie Walk is Dec. 2. Bakers are needed for this popular fund-raising event. New Business: John Stemen is our new Food Pantry Community Resource person. He is traveling around the County talking with local schools and community organizations, accessing needs and determining how we can help. As always, complete Vestry Minutes are available for all parishioners to read. Copies of the minutes can be found in our Parish Office Library. The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, December 13 at 6:30 in the Parish Center.   --- ### Annual Christmas Cookie Walk Returns! - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/annual-christmas-cookie-walk-returns/ - **Published:** 2023-11-11 - **Modified:** 2023-11-11 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin **Categories:** Uncategorized Our  Annual Christmas Cookie Walk  returns on Saturday, December 2 from 9 to Noon in our Parish Hall. We intend to have a huge and delicious assortment of homemade Christmas cookies to purchase by the pound ($8.50). What exactly is a Cookie Walk? We bake dozens of beautiful and assorted homemade Christmas cookies and sell them for $8.50 a pound. When customers arrive, they receive their own cookie box and a pair of gloves--and then they proceed to choose their own cookie selection.   --- ### Wreaths Across America - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/wreaths-across-america-3/ - **Published:** 2023-11-08 - **Modified:** 2023-11-08 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin **Categories:** Church Grounds On December 16 at 12:00 pm, Wreaths Across America returns to St. Mary Anne's Cemetery to remember and honor our veterans through the laying of remembrance wreaths on the graves of our country's fallen heroes. --- ### Make Me An Instrument of Peace: A Guide to Civil Discourse - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/make-me-an-instrument-of-peace-a-guide-to-civil-discourse/ - **Published:** 2023-10-31 - **Modified:** 2023-10-31 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin **Categories:** Education How many of us have ever prayed, "Lord make me an instrument of your peace"; then found ourselves in complex and polarized situations that made peace seem impossible? This course is for you. Make Me an Instrument is a free, 5-week course designed to help us bridge the divides that keep us from moving forward. The course will be held in the Vestry House, the 1st and 3rd Saturdays, starting October 7th --- ### North Elk Coffee House November Performer - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/north-elk-coffee-house-october-performer/ - **Published:** 2023-10-30 - **Modified:** 2023-10-31 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin **Categories:** Coffee House --- ### November Wednesday Women - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/november-wednesday-women/ - **Published:** 2023-10-20 - **Modified:** 2023-10-20 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin **Categories:** Events   Wednesday Women Luncheon Parish women are invited to our next Wednesday Women Luncheon on November 1, 2023 at 12:00 noon in the Parish Hall. On menu will feature pasta, salad, bread and dessert and the cost is $15.00 per person. At this lunch we welcome guest speaker, Anne Bean, Chief of Human Services, Cecil County Domestic Violence/Rape Crisis Center. She will speak to us about The Bridge, Cecil County’s domestic violence shelter. As a thank you to Anne, we will collect and send to The Bridge, personal items for the residents. She advises necessary items are furnished but extra items are much appreciated i.e., nail polish, make up, manicure sets, hair accessories. Please bring only NEW items – no slightly used things. Please RSVP to the church office (office@stmaryanne.org or 410-287-5522) or Andrea Pugh (abpugh@comcast.net or 443-206-0575) before October 30th. Hope to see you there!   --- ### Vestry Statement on Stewardship - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/vestry-statement-on-stewardship/ - **Published:** 2023-10-11 - **Modified:** 2023-10-11 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin **Categories:** Uncategorized We kick off our annual Stewardship Campaign this week. You will receive a Stewardship letter and pledge card in your mailbox within the next few days. Commitment Sunday is this weekend, and pledges will be accepted from this Sunday going forward. We ask that you prayerfully consider pledging to St. Mary Anne's, so we can continue a mission that began 317 years ago! The following is a Vestry Statement on Stewardship that propels our Vestry and ministry. We pray that you commit to this mission and support our efforts to the bring the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the North East community and beyond. What We Believe We will be good stewards of the mission of our Church – We gather in the name of Jesus Christ to worship God, To invite all into a community of friendship, love and respect, and to nurture and strengthen our faith. We go out to share God’s Spirit and to live God’s love, to be faithful stewards of God’s creation, and to help those in need. Stewardship is embedded in everything we do and everything we are. We will focus on the theology of abundance*. In God's redemptive love, we are confident there is enough of what we really need to go around. We will invite and desire 100% participation in what we practice. What We Practice as Members of Saint Mary Anne’s: Involvement in some form of spiritual growth and renewal Active participation in public worship Service in our ministries Promise of financial support to our Parish *2 Corinthians 9:8 And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work. How We Give Give First Fruits. Give God the first portions of your income. When we pay our bills, write our check to the Church first: as an offering and as a reminder that all things from God. Give Proportionately. We give in proportion to the income we receive, not a specific amount. Proportionate giving challenges both the rich and the poor. A specific percentage of one’s income does not adequately express our stewardship before God. Give Sacrificially. Give sacrificially usually includes a rearrangement of priorities, a change in lifestyle, or a forfeiture of something valued. Give Regularly. The habit of regular, pledged giving serves as a constant reminder of the generosity of God and helps to shape our souls. Pledged giving also allows the Church to plan responsibly for our ministries. Give Cheerfully. Joy, faith, and service are the qualities that form the foundation of proportionate giving. Receiving is wonderful, but the exhilaration is greater when we are able to give to another person. The Lord loves a cheerful giver. Give Quietly. Our purpose is to please God, not others. The dollar amounts will vary considerably, but each is sharing with God, through the Church, out of what God has provided. Commitment Sunday is October 15. Please prayerfully consider your annual pledge to the Church. Pledges for 2024 can be... --- ### ECW Upcoming Events - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/ecw-upcoming-events/ - **Published:** 2023-10-03 - **Modified:** 2023-10-03 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin **Categories:** Events ECW Upcoming Events Save the dates! NEW! Wednesday, November 1, 2023, Wednesday Women Luncheon; 12 Noon; Parish Hall Saturday, November 11, 2023, ECW Meeting; 9:30AM; Parish Hall Saturday, December 2, 2023, Christmas Cookie Walk fundraiser; 9AM-Noon; Parish Hall Tuesday, December 12, 2023, Annual Wine & Soup Dinner; 6PM; Parish Hall --- ### A Great Start! - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/a-great-start/ - **Published:** 2023-09-17 - **Modified:** 2023-09-26 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin **Categories:** Uncategorized Last Sunday, we kicked off our fall activities with the Annual Back Pack Blessing and Sundae Sunday. Children and teachers from both services received a prayers for the new school year, and children were gifted a small keychain present for their backpacks. After the services, children of all ages enjoyed ice cream sundaes during our Coffee Hours. Many of the children are now enrolled in our Church School program that will begin on October 1st. Even if you missed this kick-off, we encourage you to enroll your children or grandchildren in this once a month instruction. Details are below. --- ### A Successful Luncheon! - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/a-successful-luncheon/ - **Published:** 2023-09-17 - **Modified:** 2023-09-17 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin **Categories:** Uncategorized Parish women kicked off their fall activities this week with a Wednesday Women Luncheon. It was the largest Wednesday Women Luncheon to date with thirty-five ladies in attendance! They enjoyed soup and salad, activities, and conversation. Each attendee received a beautiful potted herb and bookmark with the Renewal theme. Thank you to this month's hosts: Carol Weisel, Linda Gibeck, Dru Torregrossa, Vickie Tillman and Gail Hooper for the beautiful decorations, gifts, activity, and organizing the meal. --- ### ECW Fall Meeting - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/ecw-fall-meeting-2/ - **Published:** 2023-09-17 - **Modified:** 2023-09-17 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin **Categories:** Uncategorized The ECW (Episcopal Church Women) invite all parish women to an ECW Fall Meeting on Friday, September 22; at 10AM in the Parish Hall. All Parish women are encouraged to join in this meeting, as the ECW will discuss the Annual Christmas Cookie Walk, and future activities, along with the budget. --- ### Sunday School Teachers Needed - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/sunday-school-teachers-needed/ - **Published:** 2023-09-17 - **Modified:** 2023-09-17 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin **Categories:** Uncategorized We’re starting up our Church School on Sunday October 1. We’ll be having 1 session per month in October, November and December. We’ll then evaluate in January and consider 2 sessions each month from January- June 2024. If you’d like to be a part of the team to teach our little ones, please see Fr. John. It’s a short time commitment with a big reward as you share God’s love with our children. Parents will drop off their children in the Parish Hall between 9:45-9:55. Class time begins at 10am. Children will be brought over to church for Communion with Parents/Grandparents. We’ll also need a helper for childcare for toddlers.   Each Church School teacher, assistant and helper must take the required on-line courses offered by the Episcopal Church. --- ### Make Me an Instrument of Your Peace: A Guide to Civil Discourse. - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/make-me-an-instrument-of-your-peace-a-guide-to-civil-discourse/ - **Published:** 2023-09-17 - **Modified:** 2023-09-17 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin **Categories:** Uncategorized How many of us have ever prayed, "Lord make me an instrument of your peace"; then found ourselves in complex and polarized situations that made peace seem impossible? This course is for you. Designed by The Episcopal Church's Office of Government Relations and its Department of Faith Formation, Make Me an Instrument is a free, 5-week course designed to help us bridge the divides that keep us from moving forward. Vicki Tillman, a 10AM parishioner, will lead this course in our Vestry House. We’ll meet the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month starting Saturday, October 7 from 10:00am-11:30am. Please contact Vicki at vickitillman@gmail.com We encourage you to attend this worthwhile course!   --- ### EfM Sunday Graduation - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/efm-sunday-graduation/ - **Published:** 2023-08-03 - **Modified:** 2023-08-03 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin **Categories:** Education To All EfM Graduates  : Please plan on attending the 10:00 service on Sunday , Aug 13th. We will be celebrating our two newest 4 year EfM graduates, Rich and Wendy Gilbert. Having overcome Covid-19, Zoom vs in -person sessions, and changing Mentors, we will honor their flexibility and determination to learn and walk closer with God on their journey. Come on Sunday, 8/13 at 10:00 and recognize  Wendy and Rich and all who have been part of, Co-mentored and Mentored at St. Mary Anne's Education for Ministry.  Refreshments will follow. --- ### UPDATE!! DATE Change!! ECW Covered Dish Picnic 2023 - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/ecw-covered-dish-picnic-2023/ - **Published:** 2023-06-19 - **Modified:** 2023-06-26 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin **Categories:** Uncategorized The ECW Covered Dish Picnic Makes a Return! The ECW announces the return of this wonderful event on Thursday, June 29, at 6PM. Mary & Ken Blomquist will once again host this lovely gathering at their home on Hances Pointe. All female parishioners are invited to attend but are asked to contribute a covered dish. To RSVP and get directions to the Blomquist home, please contact the church office at office@stmaryanne.org or call 410-287-5522. --- ### North Elk Coffee House May Show - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/north-elk-coffee-house-may-show/ - **Published:** 2023-05-08 - **Modified:** 2023-05-08 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin **Categories:** Coffee House Taylor Abrahamse – May 20, 2023 --- ### North Elk Coffee House's April Show - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/north-elk-coffee-houses-april-show/ - **Published:** 2023-04-06 - **Modified:** 2023-04-12 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin **Categories:** Uncategorized North Elk Coffee House 24th Anniversary Season Third Saturday of the Month April 15, 2023 at 7:30PM in the Parish Center Features: Hiroya Tsukamoto Doors Open at 7:00PM, Hiroya takes the stage at 7:30PM Suggested Donation is $15 Beverages, desserts, snacks $1 each Hiroya Tsukamoto is an innovative guitarist and composer who fuses folk, jazz, and world music. Born and raised in Japan, in 2000 he received a scholarship to Berklee College of music and came to the U.S. Tsukamoto’s instrumental abilities are indeed breathtaking and astounding, but his performances are so much more than that, Tsukamoto plays with an effortless skill on the guitar and a repertoire that will have you traveling the world, not to mention experiencing new sounds with his own compositions. The North Elk Coffee House is a ministry of St. Mary Anne's. Proceeds, after costs, are donated to Meeting Ground, a local organization helping homeless individuals in Cecil County. --- ### Cecil County Choral Society Spring Concert - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/cecil-county-choral-society-spring-concert/ - **Published:** 2023-03-22 - **Modified:** 2023-03-25 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin **Categories:** Uncategorized Cecil County Choral Society Spring Concert Tuesday, March 28 at 7:30PM at St. Mary Anne's! “Music is not a luxury but a necessity…it is the persistent focus of man’s intelligence, aspiration, and good will.” – Robert Shaw If you would like to support CCCS and give the gift of music all year long, we hope you’ll consider becoming a sponsor. CCCS is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and all donations are tax deductible. For more information please contact us: cecilchoral@aol.com or mail to Cecil County Choral Society, P.O. Box 2128, Elkton, MD 21922 --- ### Churchyard Clean Up Day - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/churchyard-clean-up-day/ - **Published:** 2023-03-22 - **Modified:** 2023-03-25 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin **Categories:** Events It's time to clean-up the churchyard, and riverbank, for our Easter celebration and upcoming Garden Market. Our annual Spring Churchyard Clean-up is Saturday, April 1, from 9-11AM. If you have tarps, rakes, blowers, and even a pick-up truck, please bring them with you. Many hands make light work. We'll provide the coffee and donuts. Join us for some fresh air, and fellowship, as we spruce up our church home. --- ## Pages ### St. Mary Anne's Dream Big Scholarship - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/st-mary-annes-dream-big-scholarship/ - **Published:** 2025-01-24 - **Modified:** 2026-01-08 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin 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. Since the scholarship's inception, nine high school graduates have received this scholarship to assist them with their education goals. According to our scholarship guidelines, recipients must participate in the "common life" of St. Mary Anne's for at least the past two years, were preferably Confirmed or Received in the Episcopal Church, and regularly participate in at least two church activities. --- ### St. Mary Anne's Quilters - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/st-mary-annes-quilters/ - **Published:** 2025-01-24 - **Modified:** 2025-01-24 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin Formed in September 2022, St. Mary Anne’s Quilters is a group of quilters dedicated to providing comfort to parishioners and others in the community. They meet weekly to create lap quilts of all kinds, colors and sizes. Requests for these are higher than they ever imagined and they are working hard to meet the demand. Upon completion, they are distributed at the discretion of the rector, priest in charge or chairman of the pastoral committee. In addition, each year they create a large queen-sized bed quilt to raffle off at the annual St. Mary Anne’s Garden Market. Proceeds provide the group with materials to continue this comforting ministry. --- ### Sponsorship Levels for the Garden Market - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/sponsorship-levels-for-the-garden-market/ - **Published:** 2024-01-19 - **Modified:** 2026-01-08 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin   Tulip Sponsor Sponsors donate $100: We will list your name or business on our gate handouts and your tag line and logo, if applicable, on our website sponsorship page  Azalea Sponsor - $250: We will list your name or business on our gate handouts and your tag line and logo, if applicable, on our website sponsorship page.  We will also promote you on our Facebook page.  Rhododendron Sponsor - $500: We will list your name or business on our gate handouts and signage at our gate entrances.  You will also be listed on our website and Facebook page with direct links to your website.  Black-Eyed Susan (Our state flower!) Sponsor - $1000: We will prominently list your name or business on our gate handouts, all printed materials and signage at our gate entrances.  You will also be listed prominently on our website and Facebook page with direct links to your website. Through signage you will be designated as the sponsor of that specific area/activity  Giant Redwood Sponsor - $5000: We will list your name or business as a Presenting Sponsor on our gate handouts, all printed materials and signage at our gate entrances.  You will also be listed prominently on our website and Facebook page with direct links to your website. You will have the opportunity to set up a display table at a prominent location at the Garden Market, and your logo will be on banners on Main Street in Town.  Please note: For print materials, website and social media, sponsorship deadline is March 1, 2026. Thank you for your consideration! Click here for the form: 2026 garden market sponsorship levels 315 South Main Street, North East, MD. 21901 --- ### Garden Market Sponsors - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/garden-market-sponsors/ - **Published:** 2024-01-19 - **Modified:** 2026-01-08 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin This spring,  the Annual Garden Market flourished with over 6,000 neighbors and visitors from the tristate area enjoying our two-day Garden Market—our largest crowd ever! We are now in the planning stages of the 2026 Garden Market on Friday, May 1 (9-6PM) and Saturday, May 2 (9AM-4PM), 2026. With your help as a sponsor, we can do the necessary groundwork to make the Garden Market blossom! Our vibrant and beautiful two-day Garden Market is a beloved community event established in 1997. As the Market bloomed over the years, visitors made the event their yearly spring tradition. We would find it difficult to manage such a large public event without the combined effort of our parishioners, sponsors, vendors, and local neighbors. Together, we make this pleasant spring event happen. Our collaboration and monies raised at the Garden Market enable us to help local neighbors thrive: Our Outreach Office Food Pantry is open year-round 3 days a week to distribute food to people in need. Our Mission Committee funds worthy charities in our county, state and nation. We support efforts to reduce addiction in our community and use our Parish Center as a weekly meeting place for four recovery groups. Central to the Garden Market is our historic building and property, established in 1706, which requires continuing care and financial resources to maintain its historic integrity and functionality. The Garden Market, our church’s largest fundraiser, helps us manage this 320-year-old legacy. Many people recognize the Garden Market’s value to the community and want it to blossom and thrive. Some are unable to provide hands-on assistance to the production of this large event, so they choose to assist us by being a contributing sponsor. In this way, they help underwrite Garden Market expenses as a gift to our community. We appreciate financial donations, of any amount, from individuals, families and businesses. We have outlined some sponsorship opportunities, on the next page, that may be of interest to you. For sponsors who appreciate the occasion to advertise and increase goodwill, we have levels of sponsorship that include advertising and signage. These levels may also appeal to sponsors who wish to demonstrate, in a public way, civic engagement and support of St. Mary Anne’s outreach ministries. A few sponsors occasionally choose to remain anonymous about their generous support. Others provide goods or services that help us manage the event. Whether your sponsorship is public or private, we are grateful for your assistance and partnership in this large endeavor. Please be a sponsor this year, so our Garden Market can thrive for the benefit of many.  Thank you in advance for your consideration and support!   2026 garden market sponsorship letter 2026 garden market sponsorship levels --- ### No Invasive Plants - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/no-invasive-plants/ - **Published:** 2024-01-19 - **Modified:** 2024-01-19 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin Invasive Plants Not Permitted at The Annual Garden Market Cytisus scoparius: Scotch Broom Miscanthus sinensis: Chinese Silvergrass Iris pseudacorus: Pale Yellow or Yellow Flag Iris Rubus phoenicolasius: Wineberry Acer platanoides: Norway Maple Sorghum halepense: Johnsongrass Wisteria sinensis (Chinese Wisteria) Butterfly Bush (Buddleja davidii) Phyllostachys spp. (Bamboo) Euonymus fortunei (Winter creeper/Creeping euonymus) Hedera helix (English ivy) Lonicera japonica (Japanese Honeysuckle vine) Euonymus alatus (Winged Burning Bush) Nandina domestica (Nandina/Sacred Bamboo) Ligustrum sinense (Chinese privet) Elaeagnus umbellata (Autumn olive) Pyrus calleryana (Callery/Bradford pear) Vinca minor (Common periwinkle/Vinca) Berberis thunbergii (Japanese Barberry) Paulownia tomentosa (Princess tree/Royal Paulownia) Clematis ternifolia (Sweet autumn clematis) Eragrostis curvula (Weeping Lovegrass) Spiraea japonica (Japanese spirea/Japanese Meadowsweet)   --- ### 2024 Vendor Reservations & Pricing - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/2024-vendor-reservations-pricing/ - **Published:** 2024-01-19 - **Modified:** 2024-01-19 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin Don’t miss out on being a Garden Market vendor! Spaces fill fast! Reserve your spot as soon as possible!   To be a Garden Market vendor, please provide the following information: Company name: Products (must be garden related or made from natural materials): Contact person: Contact phone number: Website (if you have one): Previous GM vendor? If so, what year(s)? Do you accept electronic or credit card payments? Approximate space required (circle desired size). The cost reserves the booth and ground space for two days, with set-up the day before the event.   (10 x 10) $100.00 (20 x 10) $200.00 (30 x 10) $300.00 (40 x 10) $400.00 Supersize Spot (contact Vendor Coordinator for details and pricing) Please send this information via email to Dawn Rodenbaugh, Vendor Coordinator at smagardenmarket@gmail.com. Questions?  You can either call Dawn at 443-907-3273 or email her at the above email address. Please note: If you are a past Garden Market vendor, we will not "vet" you and you can just reserve your spot by submitting the above information and your check.  If you have never been a vendor at our event before, contact Dawn so she can discuss your products and booth concept. Thank you.             --- ### Garden Market Vendor Instructions - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/garden-market-vendor-instructions/ - **Published:** 2024-01-19 - **Modified:** 2024-01-19 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin Welcome to both new and previous vendors. We hope you will be able to join us at this year’s Garden Market, as it is a great opportunity to raise awareness of your business and to make new friends in the area. We put a great effort into advertising and organizing the Garden Market, and work to make it a successful community event and experience for all. To that end, we ask that you carefully review the vendor instructions Vendors must adhere to a gardening or gardening related theme. The vendor coordinator will verify this with you when you make your reservation.  Non-adherence to permitted items may result in loss of future invitations. Please do not sell invasive plant species. A list is attached. Please inform us if you are using a tent, and the amount of the space you require. Please realize that our churchyard is constantly changing due to new gravesites. Space cannot be guaranteed from year to year—nor previous booth locations. Vendors are to provide their own tents, tables and chairs. We don’t provide electricity. There is no smoking on church property. We thank all vendors for respecting this policy. We ask vendors not to bring pets to the churchyard either at set-up or during the Market. Vendors are responsible for their own set up and take down. Vendors must remove all unsold items from the churchyard on Saturday at the end of the Market. Please leave your area as clean as you found it. Every effort is made to keep the area secure during the overnight hours. However, St. Mary Anne’s Episcopal Church will not be held liable for any theft or injury. Set-up is on Thursday, May 2, 2024 between 9AM-4PM*. When setting up on Thursday, we ask you to pull into the churchyard at the Church Point Road entrance and proceed to your location to unload. For the safety and convenience of all, we need to keep traffic moving in one direction.  There will be a Market volunteer to provide directions to your space and red flags to mark your location. Please unload as quickly as possible, relocate your vehicle to a parking area, then return to setup your display. Please be courteous and patient with your fellow vendors. *Any arrangements outside of these times must be approved ahead of time. Please be ready for the public by 8AM Friday morning. No vehicles will be allowed in the churchyard after 7AM Friday or during the hours of the Market. If you need to restock, please do so Friday evening. You must have enough merchandise for both days. Please do not start to break down your display until 4PM Saturday. The Garden Market is a RAIN or SHINE event as such, please be prepared for inclement weather. If you need to cancel, you must do so by April 19 (2 weeks prior to Friday, May 3, 2024.) Any cancellations after April 19 will result in a forfeiture of future invitations. We make every effort to advertise... --- ### Vendor Information - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/2025-vendor-information/ - **Published:** 2024-01-19 - **Modified:** 2025-05-22 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin Thank you for your interest in being a vendor! Our Garden Market celebrated its 26th year on Friday, May 2 (9AM-6PM) and Saturday, May 3, 2025  (9AM-4PM) with its largest group of vendors yet! We will soon be in the planning stages of the 2026 Garden Market on Friday, May 1 (9-6PM) and Saturday, May 2 (9AM-4PM), 2026--so mark your your calendars to participate. You don't want to miss out on this popular community event! Historically, our Garden Market attracts between 5,000-6,000 people during the two-day event! Our vibrant and beloved community event attracts a large crowd through advertising, repeat customers, the quality and diversity of vendor products, and word of mouth. Traditionally, this is a Garden Market so vendors must adhere to a gardening or gardening-related theme. Primarily, we seek plant vendors. However, we now offer a designated Arts/Crafts vendor area for non-gardening interests. We work to raise community awareness about our event with a mix of publicity, signage and social media. We collaborate with our vendors and business sponsors to make this event both pleasant and fruitful for all—rain or shine. There is no public admission fee to this event, even though this is our major fundraiser. We generate funds with vendor fees, church booths, and business sponsorships. Monies raised at our event helps support our various ministries throughout the year, including: Our Outreach Food Pantry, which is open year round, 3 days a week, to distribute food to people in need. Our Mission Committee, which funds worthy charities in our county, state and nation. Our Parish Center used as a meeting place for four recovery groups. We support efforts to reduce addiction in our community. Our ongoing and committed stewardship of a historic building and property. Our active church, established in 1706, is a registered Maryland Historic Landmark. For 319 years, St. Mary Anne’s has remained steadfast to Jesus’ mandate to love God and our neighbor. We hope that you will participate in this year’s Garden Market—so that together, we can celebrate God’s beautiful creation for the benefit of many. Thank you and Blessings, The Rev. John R. Schaeffer, Rector --- ### Senior Ministry - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/senior-ministry/ - **Published:** 2024-01-13 - **Modified:** 2024-01-15 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin St. Mary Anne's Senior Ministry reflects the parish's commitment to engage the elderly in prayer and worship, and emotional support. Our efforts are fostered by Scripture, when God commanded the people to provide for aging widows in Deuteronomy 14:28-29. The Israelites also heard this command to respect and honor them in Leviticus 19:32. And, in the New Testament, a new standard was established, one in which utter devotion to Jesus Christ meant to follow his example to cultivate a heart of care and respect toward the vulnerable.  For these important reasons, we established a vibrant Senior Ministry. Once a month, Father John and a team of lay ministers on the Pastoral Care Team, visit a nearby senior living apartment complex for a monthly worship service and communion. While there, they offer residents friendship and a listening ear. The team has hosted a Valentine Luncheon for the residents, and also decorated for Christmas. In one instance, a group of parish men helped move a resident's belongings to another location. They also visit a local assisted living community and a nearby skilled nursing home one time a month. At each location, they offer an abbreviated worship service, music and Communion. Our Director of Music will occasionally surprise residents, too, with an impromptu violin performance. Members of this team often visit shut-ins and will bring them comforting lap quilts from our Mission Quilt Ministry or Prayer Shawl Ministry . Together, they work to embrace the elderly with worship, prayer, comfort and kindness. --- ### Recovery Ministry - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/recovery-ministry/ - **Published:** 2024-01-06 - **Modified:** 2025-01-21 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin Faith & Recovery 12-Step Eucharist Service St. Mary Anne's is dedicated to help strengthen those in recovery with a message of hope, redemption and God's grace. By way of doing that, we have a Faith & Recovery 12-Step Eucharist Service on the second Sunday of the month at 6PM in the church. A testimonial, praise music and 12-steps are part of the service. A light supper, in the Parish Center, follows the service.  Those in recovery, their family and friends, and parishioners are always welcome. Recovery Meetings We also open the doors to our Parish Center for a number of recovery meetings throughout the week. These open meetings provide those who suffer from addiction a safe space to openly discuss their challenges. Walk the Walk NA meeting; Tuesday 8PM; Parish Hall AA meeting; Thursday 7PM; Parish Hall Al Anon meeting; Friday; 6-7PM; Parish Hall Back to Life NA meeting; Friday 7PM; Parish Hall NA meeting; Sunday 7:30PM; Parish Hall To learn more about the benefits from a 12-Step program, click here: hhttps://sober.com/5-benefits-to-gain-from-12-step-aa- --- ### The Gardening Team & The Green Team - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/the-garden-team/ - **Published:** 2021-06-24 - **Modified:** 2024-07-20 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin   The Gardening Team care for our historic churchyard including the Memorial Garden, flower beds, rose gardens, and container plantings. We honor and respect God's creation and the generations of believers who have worshiped here for over 300 years. Our small historic church, with its well-cared for grounds, is a witness to God's love and presence here. If you enjoy gardening and want to help care for our churchyard, please contact Sande Taylor. The Green Team and the parish of St. Mary Anne's believe that all of us are called through a covenant with God to be stewards of creation. We at St. Mary Anne’s are blessed with five acres of land along the tidal North East River. The Green Team is working to help the parish exercise good stewardship of this land along with the water and air that sustains all life on Earth. We are continually seeking ways to reduce our use of non-renewable resources, both as individuals and as a parish. The Green Team has established a small native-plant pollinator garden, which uses a rain barrel for watering, and has erected two bat boxes on poles near the river to attract bats. We are planning a mini-park in the parish’s dock area and are investigating the pros and cons of planting large native trees in the churchyard to replace those lost in recent years to disease and storms. The parish has an active recycling program, and is reviewing a proposal to replace its many fluorescent lights with LEDs. The St. Mary Anne's Green Team is a Partner Congregation of the Interfaith Partners for the Chesapeake. --- ### The Thompson Memorial Crocus Lawn - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/the-thompson-memorial-crocus-lawn/ - **Published:** 2021-04-27 - **Modified:** 2025-01-24 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin Our parish established The Thompson Memorial Crocus Lawn in 2020 with the planting of 10,000 crocus bulbs in our historic churchyard. Their spring blossoms remind us of a treasured community event, a beloved and recently deceased parish member, and the yearly promise of Resurrection. Since 1997, our parish blooms with a festive Garden Market. The two-day May event, features spring flowers, vegetable plants, delectable treats, and 50 garden-related vendors. Over 6,000 visitors from the community and tristate area (Pennsylvania, Maryland and Delaware) enjoy the yearly fundraising event that celebrates God’s creation. The event provids a yearly opportunity for us to give church tours and highlight our ministries.  Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, we canceled the 2020 and 2021 Garden Markets, but they have since resumed. Parishioners and community members were understandably disappointed about the Garden Market pandemic cancelations but the sudden death of the Garden Market founder and parishioner Diane Thompson, on February, 2020 left everyone reeling. Thompson, a vibrant 80 year old, died during a horseback riding excursion. Her zest for living, love for God, the church and community—and special love of flowers—were the catalyst for the Garden Market’s inception in 1997 and its continued success. Grappling with the loss of Diane and at the same time dealing with the pandemic’s ramifications on the parish and community, we struggled in 2020 to maintain our optimism. As a healthy antidote for a difficult time, parish leadership decided to create the Thompson Memorial Crocus Lawn as a tribute to Diane. In response, parishioners eagerly ordered bulbs (100 bulbs for $12.00); and as a result, the parish received 10,000 bulbs to plant! In late October of 2020, over 65 parishioners and community members had a parish-wide planting day to establish the lawn. A year later, an additional 6,000 bulbs were planted. Why crocus?  They are a harbinger of spring—and symbolize youthfulness and cheerfulness. Crocus tommasinianus, often called “Tommies”, thrive in well-drained soil, and can tolerate both sun and shade. Squirrel and deer resistant, they flourish in naturalized lawns untreated for weeds. They bloom for three to six weeks in late February and early March—and promise a purple bloom during the Lenten season as their color varies from pale lavender to deep reddish purple with a white throat. Crocuses are one of the first pollen sources available to bees in early to mid-spring, as the flower’s aroma attracts bees and native pollinators alike. Thompson was a bee survival advocate, so this environmentally friendly plant became the ideal selection for the crocus lawn. According to St. Mary Anne’s rector, the Rev. John Schaeffer, the Thompson Memorial Crocus Lawn is now “a beautiful yearly Lenten reminder of the Easter Resurrection”. Schaeffer believes, “It’s just what the parish and community needed after such a difficult time.”   --- ### Our Videos - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/our-videos/ - **Published:** 2020-09-11 - **Modified:** 2020-09-22 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin [embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/embed?listType=playlist&list=UUGHX-bvx_QNxgdcld1Uf7Ag&layout=gallery[/embedyt] --- ### Annual Garden Market - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/about-annual-garden-market/ - **Published:** 2020-01-16 - **Modified:** 2026-01-08 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin   Our Garden Market Blossoms Each Spring! As part of our mission and ministry,  we've hosted an annual GARDEN MARKET  on our beautiful and historic church campus for 26 years!  During this two day spring event, over 75  garden-related vendors from the tri-state area sell flowers, trees and shrubs for spring planting. Between 5,000-6,000 visitors walk through our gates during our family friendly event. Our guests are treated to an amazing array of beautiful spring flowers and plants. They also have the opportunity to shop for natural soaps, fresh produce, pottery, and garden themed ornaments and statuary. Our Bake Table is fresh with delicious homemade treats, and our food vendors provide a delectable selection of food including hot dogs, and pit beef sandwiches. Our beautiful event is a treat for the senses! Throughout this lovely spring--rain or shine--two day event, our guests enjoy and celebrate nature, meet their neighbors, and enjoy free entertainment by local musicians. For the children, we have activities including face painting and marigold flower potting.  Church tours reveal some local history and our beautiful worship space.  There is a lot to see and do at this fun community event! Please note: Visitors are urged to bring a wagon to hold their purchases, but to keep their pets at home. Admission is free, but we encourage your support and generosity at vendor and ministry booths.       --- ### St. Mary Anne's String Studio - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/st-mary-annes-string-studio/ - **Published:** 2019-11-09 - **Modified:** 2021-04-27 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin St. Mary Anne’s String Studio offers private lessons to all ages in Violin, Viola, Electric Bass, Guitar and Piano. Instruction provided for all levels from novice to expert. Private lessons, Group lessons, and Chamber Groups available. Instructional Philosophy Learning string instruments contributes and provides the ability to make music through skills learned in practice, understanding, and passion that benefits the mind. Learning string instruments improves mental, social, physical and academic skills. It builds confidence and self-esteem, introduces a vast cultural ground, collaboration, and the feeling of accomplishment. Director of Music: Mr. Joel Alarcon, MA Mr. Alarcon, originally form Tegucigalpa, Honduras, graduated from the National School of Music in 2005. In 2006, Mr. Alarcon moved to the United States to study violin performance at the University of Mississippi. He received his bachelors in violin performance at the University of North Dakota where he also earned a masters degree in violin performance and chamber group. Mr. Alarcon earned a second masters degree in violin performance at the University of Delaware. He has performed internationally throughout Central America, Brazil, and China. Mr. Alarcon has performed with notable groups/artists such as The Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg, The Pointer Sisters, Manuel Barrueco, David Lomeli, Sandi patty, Ricky Skaggs, Sir James and Lady Jeanne Galway, Charley Pride, Patti LaBelle, Dionne Warwick, Patti Austin, Ann Nesby, Vesta Williams, Carmen Twille, Alejandro Drago, Carmelo de los Santos, and Danilo Mezzadri. Mr. Alarcon is an Adjunct Violin Instructor at Cecil College and Director of Music at Saint Mary Anne’s Episcopal Church. Lesson Location: Saint Mary Anne’s Vestry House (Directly behind the Main Church entrance) 315 S. Main Street North East, MD 21901 Lesson Pricing 30min Private Lesson $35 60min Private Lesson $70 45min Group Lesson $25 (Private lessons discounted for group lesson students) Lesson Times Monday           9:00am-12:00pm Tuesday           9:00am-12:00pm and 3:00-7:00pm Wednesday     9:00am-12:00pm Thursday         9:00am-12:00pm and 3:00-7:00pm Friday              9:00am-12:00pm and 3:00-7:00pm   For More Information and to register for lessons, please contact: Joel Alarcon Phone: (701) 317-2129 Email: joelalarc@gmail.com or Ray Alarcon Phone: (302) 540-9730 Email: sray.alarcon@gmail.com --- ### No Access - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/no-access/ - **Published:** 2019-01-12 - **Modified:** 2019-01-12 - **Author:** [dlm_no_access] --- ### Wreaths Across America - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/wreaths-across-america/ - **Published:** 2018-11-26 - **Modified:** 2026-01-08 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin  Wreaths across America  arrives each December in our St. Mary Anne’s Churchyard.  At noon, we have a short prayer on our courtyard and then proceed to place wreaths on the graves in our churchyard. Please don't miss this wonderful holiday event. Invite your family and friends and begin a family tradition! To donate a wreath, click here. Mark your calendars for the next Wreaths Across America! Saturday, December 12, 2026 at Noon --- ### North Elk Coffee House - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/north-elk-coffee-house/ - **Published:** 2018-09-04 - **Modified:** 2026-01-08 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin   For 28 years, our church has hosted The North Elk Coffee House performances. Guest musicians (primarily folk and country performers) entertain 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. We need your support! It's a great night out! All Coffee House proceeds beyond costs are donated to Meeting Ground, an organization serving the homeless in Cecil County, MD. Can you help? We need assistance with set-up, serving, baking, and clean-up! It's a great way to meet people and get involved in a fun and worthwhile ministry.   --- ### Donate - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/donate/ - **Published:** 2018-08-14 - **Modified:** 2024-01-15 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin Thank you for donating to St. Mary Anne's Episcopal Church. To Give via our Online Giving Form, please click the button below. You will be taken to our Online Giving Form page where you can choose your preferred fund and donation amount you would like to support. Conveniently donate using a debit or credit. To donate via PayPal, please click the "Donate" button below. You will be taken to our Paypal page where you can choose your preferred donation amount. Please note: in the special instructions of the PayPal page, please indicate if this is for a pledge, outreach, flowers, memorial, or general donations. --- ### Gallery 2017 - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/gallery-2017-2/ - **Published:** 2017-05-09 - **Modified:** 2018-06-28 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin [gallery ids="3840,3839,3838,3837,3834,3833,3832,3831,3830,3829,3828,3827,3826,3825,3824,3823,3822,3821,3820,3819,3818,3817,3816,3815,3814,3813,3812,3811,3810,3809,3808,3805,3804,3803,3802,3801,3700,3616,3614,3613,3612,3611,3610,3609,3608,3607,3606,3603,3592"] --- ### Gallery 2017 (1) - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/gallery-2017/ - **Published:** 2017-05-09 - **Modified:** 2017-05-09 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin [gallery ids="3309,3311,3312,3313,3314,3315,3316,3099,3097,3095,3092,3098,3548,3549,3551,3553,3555,3556,3557,3561,3560,3558,3563,3564,3565,3566,3567,3572,3571,3569,3568,3573,3574,3575,3576,3577,3582,3581,3580,3579,3578,3583,3584,3585,3586,3588,3593,3592,3591,3590,3589,3594,3595,3596,3597,3598"] --- ### Membership - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/membership/ - **Published:** 2017-04-19 - **Modified:** 2017-04-20 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin As members of St. Mary Anne's, we worship the Lord like generations before us--with traditional worship, song and hope in the risen Christ! You are invited to consider membership and worship with us! Active members of the parish are expected and encouraged to attend worship regularly, continue in Christian formation and ministry, and make an annual pledge of giving to the church. To be considered as an active and voting member, we request you: Are baptized in the Christian faith tradition (if not, see clergy for details) Make a recorded financial contribution to SMA in the past year Have received Holy Communion from our clergy at least three times in the past year Live within 100 miles of the parish Complete the membership form In addition, we encourage your active participation in the life of the parish. We have numerous opportunities for fellowship, volunteer outreach endeavors, and Christian education. Active participation will help you build relationships, promote your faith development,  and strengthen your church experience. Together: We gather in the name of Jesus Christ to worship God; to invite all into a community of friendship, love and respect; and to nurture and strengthen our faith. We go out to share God's Spirit and to live God's love; to be faithful stewards of God's creation; and to help those in need.  We pray our mission, will become your mission! --- ### Requiem - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/requiem/ - **Published:** 2017-01-30 - **Modified:** 2018-11-06 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin The Requiem is the centerpiece of a worship through music hour at the church on Palm Sunday and helps us prepare for the most holy of weeks. --- ### 2:42 Men's Group - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/242-mens-group/ - **Published:** 2017-01-26 - **Modified:** 2025-01-24 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin The 2:42 Men's Group promotes fellowship, learning and service and is based on Acts 2:42: "They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." Periodically, the men meet in the Parish Center for a breakfast meeting. They host the Annual Shrove Tuesday Pancake Breakfast, Mother's Day Brunch, Old Fool's Tools Booth at the Garden Market, and help with many parish activities. Another group, R.O.M.E.O.'S (Retired Old Men Eating Out), meets each week for breakfast and conversation at a local restaurant.     --- ### Vestry Nominees for 2017 - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/vestry-nominees/ - **Published:** 2017-01-18 - **Modified:** 2017-01-18 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin My name is Phyllis Doyle.  My husband, Bob and I came to St. Mary Anne’s for the first time on St. Francis Sunday, 2006 and immediately knew we had found a new spiritual home. I was impressed by the warm, casual atmosphere and the many activities here. I have enjoyed working with the Altar Guild, Outreach Office, EFM, Prayer Shawl Ministry, Youth Group and our Annual Garden Market. I love gardening, yoga and several types of needlework. I usually keep several projects going simultaneously. I consider St. Mary Anne’s and the people here my second family. It’s time I stepped a little deeper into the heart of this church, and when asked to join the vestry I felt honored. I hope I can bring the passion and love I feel for St. Mary Anne’s into my time with the vestry. I would be honored and humbled if you allow me to play a role in continuing to make St. Mary Anne’s a vital instrument in carrying God’s work and word into our local community and everywhere her parishioners travel.     I am Bruce England and I married into the SMA family over 32 years ago. My wife Barbara and generations of her family have been members of SMA much longer!  After our 3 boys advanced beyond Sunday School participation, my family became routine 8 o’clockers.  On Sunday, you can generally find me in the almost front pew by the side door and at most coffee hours between the services. Over the years, I have volunteered and contributed to various efforts at SMA and was a member SMA’s last Search Committee. I credit the many prayers of SMA parishioners in 2007/8 for my continued physical presence. I am the Executive Director of the Susquehanna Workforce Network, Inc., a non-profit organization that advances and executes economic and workforce development programs and services in Cecil and Harford County.  This engages me with a wide range of private sector enterprises, educational institutions, governmental and community organizations.   My name is George Neureither.  My wife, Mary and I, have been members of this parish since 2007. We have found the members to be friendly and the church environment inviting. I graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park campus in 1974 with a Bachelor of Science of Degree in Business with a concentration in Personnel Management and Labor Relations. I made a career with the Federal Government’s U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in the field of human resources and labor management. During my 36-year career, I rose through the ranks to become the Director of Human Resources at several VA medical centers around the country. Parts of my responsibilities were to advise, and get the buy-in of various management officials within the medical centers on all aspects of human resources. This included recruitment and placement, labor relations, classification of positions, pay, awards, disciplining employees, and steps to correct behaviors. This included human resources guidance and policy development to the medical center’s top management.  Additionally, I... --- ### Photos 2017 (Holy Week) - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/gallery-2017-3/ - **Published:** 2017-01-09 - **Modified:** 2018-06-28 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin [caption id="attachment_3205" align="alignleft" width="225"] Banner given in appreciation to outgoing Senior Warden, Melissa Cook MacKenzie[/caption] --- ### Garden Market 2017 - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/garden-market-2017/ - **Published:** 2016-11-30 - **Modified:** 2017-04-21 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin   Our 20th Annual Garden Market will be held May 5-6, 2017. Learn more about our Garden Market at our St. Mary Anne's Garden Market website.   --- ### Christmas Services - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/christmas-services/ - **Published:** 2016-11-25 - **Modified:** 2021-12-23 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin Christmas Eve at 5:00PM--attendees are encouraged to arrive early for a traditional family Christmas Carol sing from 4:30PM-4:50PM. Sing "Jingle Bells" and other Christmas favorites! Reservations required (this service is full).   Christmas Eve at 7:00PM--Our choir is making its first "live" appearance since March of 2020! They will joyfully sing at our 7:00PM Christmas Eve. Reservations required (this service is full). We will Livestream this service. The best way to be notified of our Livestream services is to subscribe to our YouTube channel.   Christmas Day at 10:00AM--Holy Eucharist Rite II Service. (No Livestream on Christmas)   First Sunday after Christmas, December 26 at 9:00AM--Holy Eucharist Rite II Service (please note this is a combined service)   Second Sunday after Christmas, Jan 2 at 8:00AM and 10AM--Holy Eucharist Rite II Service May your heart be lifted in praise this Christmas for the wonderful gift of Jesus and the joy He brings to our lives. Have a wonderful Christmas and a Blessed New Year! --- ### Christmas Cookie Walk - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/christmas-cookie-walk/ - **Published:** 2016-11-23 - **Modified:** 2025-12-12 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin Our  Annual Christmas Cookie Walk  returned on Saturday, December 6, 2025 from 9 to Noon in our Parish Hall. We offered a huge and delicious assortment of homemade Christmas cookies to purchase by the pound ($10:00). What exactly is a Cookie Walk? We bake dozens of beautiful and assorted homemade Christmas cookies and candy and sell them for $10.00 a pound. When customers arrive, they receive their own cookie box and a pair of gloves--and then they proceed to choose their own cookie selection.         --- ### Stewardship - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/stewardship/ - **Published:** 2016-10-31 - **Modified:** 2025-10-02 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin St. Mary Anne's Episcopal Church 2026 Pledge I/We want to pledge to St. Mary Anne's Episcopal Church for the 2026 calendar year. Please enter your information in the form, and click the Submit Button once. [elementor-template id="7138"] Church Office Telephone: 410-287-5522 Treasurer's Office Email: treasurer@stmaryanne.org --- ### Calendar - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/calendar/ - **Published:** 2016-10-10 - **Modified:** 2018-08-13 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin [ecwd id="2589" type="full" page_items="5" event_search="yes" display="full" displays="full,list,week,day" filters=""] --- ### Special Needs Ministry - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/special-needs-ministry/ - **Published:** 2016-09-19 - **Modified:** 2016-11-21 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin Jesus opened his arms to all people: The blind, lame, ill and hopeless. As His body, the Episcopal Church as a whole, has committed itself to doing the same. With that goal, our parish recently formed a new committee focused on meeting the special needs of the differently abled within our parish. If you, or someone you know, struggles with a special circumstance involving a disability (physical or otherwise) that might make parish participation difficult, please let the office, Father John or Rachelan Griffin know. If you are interested in taking part in this ministry, or serving on the Special Needs Committee, please contact Rachelan or the church office. Together, we can make sure our church doors are opened as wide as Christ's arms.   BLESSING, LOVING EUCHARISTIC SENSORY-SAFE (B.L.E.S.S) SERVICES are a special type of  worship service, designed for the Developmentally Disabled/Sensory Needs/Autism Spectrum individual. B.L.E.S.S Services are meant to make church accessible to all of our sensory-challenge friends. Based around the "Rhythms of Grace" curriculum, the service features a multi-sensory Bible story, hands-on sensory experiences that make Bible lessons come to life, times of quiet musical expression, and a GFCF Communion service. There will be a quiet "cool-down" corner available throughout the service, and a GFCF allergy-friendly fellowship time to follow. The service is open to all members of the community who wish to worship in a low-impact, sensory-safe environment, while sharing a time to worship, Eucharist and fellowship with neurotypical family and friends, in a welcoming and joyful environment. The worship space, the Parish Hall, is handicapped accessible, and friends of all ages are welcome. If you would like to attend, please contact the SMA church office for details, and to reserve your spot.     "...this happened so that the works of God might be displayed...As long as it is day, we must do the works of Him who sent me..." John 9:3-4  --- ### Sundae Sunday - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/sundae-sunday/ - **Published:** 2016-08-31 - **Modified:** 2016-08-31 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin Join us for our first Annual Sundae Sunday on September 11th! We will enjoy ice cream sundaes on Hoopes Court between our two Sunday Services and after the 10:30AM Service. This will be a special treat to celebrate and encourage our Sunday School registration and new school year. Dessert for breakfast??? Yummy! --- ### Youth Group Calendar 2016-2017 - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/youth-group-calendar-2016-2017/ - **Published:** 2016-08-30 - **Modified:** 2016-08-30 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin September         18th                         Kick-Off Meeting- Corn Hole, Giant Jenga and More October               2nd                          CROP Walk ??? TIME??? 16th                         Getting to Know Fr. John November          6th                                 Outing 20th                         Meeting December           3rd Saturday          North East Christmas Parade – Sell something???? December           4th                            Shopping for Christmas Giving Tree Gifts December           18th                          Christmas Party January                6-8                          Dioceses- Province III Retreat 15th                         Outing February              5th                           meeting 19th                          bowling March                   5th                            meeting 19th                         Lenten Activity 31st-April 2            Happening with the Dioceses of Easton & Maryland(High School) April                       2nd                         meeting 23rd                        outing 28th-30th                New Beginnings with Dioceses of Easton & Maryland( Middle School) May                       7th                           meeting 21st                         outing JUNE –AUGUST   Swimming JULY                    10-14                        Episcopal Youth Event , Oklahoma( high school) --- ### Pastoral Care - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/pastoral-care/ - **Published:** 2016-07-14 - **Modified:** 2023-10-18 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin Pastoral visitation by our priest is scheduled according the needs of the congregation. Pastoral emergency visits to a hospital or care setting can quickly occur, but our priest needs to be notified. In the event of a pastoral emergency, please call Fr. John's cell number at 410-919-8231 for a quick response. Non-emergency visits, either to a care setting or home, are scheduled on a rotating basis. If a home-bound parishioner desires a visit, contact Fr. John. Lay Eucharistic Visitors (LEV’s) are trained and licensed to take the sacrament to people unable to attend church. A rotating schedule of LEV’s visit the home-bound,  or those in a nursing facility or hospital. Altar flowers are frequently delivered and given to parishioners who have recently been hospitalized or are considered home-bound. Card Ministers brighten the day of our shut-ins with correspondence. Handwritten cards and letters keep them the home-bound connected to the parish. Aftercare Ministers will provide a few simple meals to a parishioner who returns home after a hospitalization. If a parishioner is in need of meal assistance due to a short-term incapacity, contact the church office. Funeral hospitality is a component of our bereavement assistance. Upon request, the ECW may host a funeral or memorial reception for a deceased parishioner in the Parish Center. Details about the cost and availability of the Parish Center need to be discussed with the priest at the time of the funeral planning.   Prayer Lists and Prayer Pew Cards provide parishioners and visitors to St. Mary Anne’s the opportunity to ask for prayers for individual needs. Our parish administrator, Prayer Chain coordinator, and priest, receive prayer requests that are added to our weekly prayer lists. Then, those in need of prayer, are mentioned during the “Prayers of the People” portion of our worship services.     --- ### Vestry - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/vestry/ - **Published:** 2016-06-26 - **Modified:** 2016-06-28 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin An elected vestry governs the parish. Each January, the Junior and Senior Warden, the Treasurer, and the Rector present reports to the parish at the annual meeting. At that time, parishioners vote for new vestry members whose 3-year term is set to expire. At the annual meeting, new convention delegates are also elected. The vestry meets once a month, reviews the budget and expenditures, and gives oversight to standing committees such as Outreach, Finance/Stewardship and Worship. Members of Vestry Senior Warden-Melissa Cook-Mackenzie Junior Warden-Nancy Leizear Ruben Argudo Terry Brown Becky Diaz Andy Flood Rich Gilbert John Stemen Carol Weisel Treasurer-Andrea Pugh Financial Associate-Louise Berg Parish Registrar-Sande Taylor Convention Delegates (Feb. 2016 & Bishop Election) Sue Hocker Kathi Lichtenstein Carol Weisel (Vestry Appointment) --- ### Churchyard & Memorial Garden Regulations - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/churchyard-memorial-garden-regulations/ - **Published:** 2016-06-17 - **Modified:** 2025-07-14 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy ancestors have set. Proverbs 22:28 Because of the need to conserve space in St. Mary Anne’s historic churchyard, lots are available only to present and past active members of St. Mary Anne’s Church and their families.  Occasional exceptions to this rule are allowed when compelling pastoral circumstances exist.  The Rector and Churchyard Chairperson are authorized to make determinations as to who qualifies as being “present and past active members” and what exceptions shall be made. To read the Churchyard & Memorial Garden Regulations please click here: To learn more about funeral procedures at St. Mary Anne's please click here: http://www.stmaryanne.org/funerals/   --- ### Family Train Day - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/train-day/ - **Published:** 2016-06-17 - **Modified:** 2026-01-08 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin St. Mary Anne’s Mission Committee has hosted a model train show in the Parish Center each January for fifteen years. Model train enthusiasts of all ages chase the cold winter blues away with their passion for model railroading. Visitors are treated to up to nine working model train layouts featuring Standard gauge, O gauge, S, HO, and N gauge trains. The five hour free event attracts hundreds of visitors from our local area. Through the sale of raffle tickets and refreshments and lunch, in addition to donations, recent events have raised funds for local organizations. Mark your calendars for our next Family Train Day! Saturday, January 10, 2026; 10AM-3PM         --- ### Funerals - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/funerals/ - **Published:** 2016-06-09 - **Modified:** 2025-01-24 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin The passing of a loved one, whether sudden or long-expected, is difficult. The St Mary Anne’s clergy and parish find it to be a privilege to offer our prayers, comfort and pastoral support, to those who experience bereavement. We often open our doors to hold funeral ceremonies to celebrate the lives of those that have passed. The pastoral care of this Christian community is extended to all, without regard to your previous participation in this church. Click here to learn more about our funeral procedures. I am the resurrection and the life, saith the Lord. He that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me, shall never die. (John 11:25) --- ### Baptisms - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/baptism-procedures/ - **Published:** 2016-05-05 - **Modified:** 2024-01-15 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin Holy Baptism is full initiation by water and the Holy Spirit into Christ's Body the Church. We love to do Baptisms at St. Mary Anne's!  Baptized babies, children, or adults, are all a wonderful celebration of new life in Christ! To discuss the Baptism of a child or adult, please contact Fr. John Schaeffer at the parish office or by email at fatherjohn@stmaryanne.org.   Click here to learn more about our baptism procedures.   --- ### Garden Market 2016 - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/garden-market-photos/ - **Published:** 2016-05-05 - **Modified:** 2016-05-05 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin [gallery ids="1856,1857,1858,1859,1860,1861,1862,1863,1864,1865,1866,1867,1868,1869,1870,1871,1872,1873,1874,1875,1876,1877,1878,1879,1880,1881,1882"] --- ### Youth Group Mission Trip - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/youth-group-mission-trip/ - **Published:** 2016-05-03 - **Modified:** 2016-11-04 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin We were excited to send some of our SMA youth on a mission trip to Costa Rica this July. Our youth missionaries, in collaboration with the Diocese of Easton, helped build a church and  participated in Vacation Bible Study with local children. Our parish donated 36 Spanish Bibles for the villagers. In April of this year, the group hosted a Costa Rican Dinner in our Parish Hall. Those in attendance learned a little bit about the trip and the goals of the mission team, and tasted delicious Costa Rican food prepared by the youth and a few parents. Funds from the dinner went toward the mission trip fundraising goals. During the Garden Market, pretzels were sold along with chances to win a “money tree”. Additional fundraisers, including an Envelope Drive, a neighborhood yard sale, two benefit dinners at local restaurants, and a jewelry sale, helped raise the funds necessary for this journey. Our returning missionaries reported to the parish about their experiences, and shared pictures, during the Adult Education Hour.   --- ### Contact Us - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/contact-us-2/ - **Published:** 2016-04-26 - **Modified:** 2016-04-26 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin [contact-form-7 id="1803" title="Contact Us"] --- ### Parish Committees - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/parish-committees-2/ - **Published:** 2016-04-12 - **Modified:** 2026-01-08 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin There are many committees that are integral to the effective management of the parish. If parishioners are interested in joining a particular committee, they can express their interest to the chairperson. Specific contact information can be provided by the church office and/or is available in the parish directory. The following list provides the names of the committees, along with their chair people: Acolytes-Mac McMullen Adult Education-Father John Altar Guild-Andrea Pugh Communications-Karen Schaeffer (website & ENews); Valerie Manges, Parish Administrator Flower Committee-Mary Blomquist Church Yard- Tom Brickner ECW-Dru Torregrossa Finance- Flower Delivery to Shut-ins-Ginny Roney Garden Market-Mike Pugh Green Team- Linda Hunt Gardening Team-Sande Taylor Lay Eucharistic Ministers-Carol Weisel Lectors- Tom Kenny Mission- Missions Quilting Group-Wendy Gilbert Outreach-John Stemen Pastoral Care-Fr. John Prayer Chain-Linda Gibeck & Carol Weisel Ushers-Christopher Inmon   --- ### Alcohol/Drug Policy - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/alcoholdrug-policy/ - **Published:** 2016-04-02 - **Modified:** 2016-04-02 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin Concerning Alcoholic Beverages in the Local Parish The Episcopal Church has never endorsed prohibiting the use of beverages containing alcohol among adult members. Scripture offers Jesus' example of the use and serving of wine in his first miracle at Cana and in the institution of the Holy Eucharist. This Church also supports and has a responsibility to those people who abstain from the use of alcoholic beverages for whatever reason. Many churches do not serve alcoholic beverages at social functions, but for those who do, the following guidelines are suggested: All applicable federal, state and local laws should be obeyed, including those governing the serving of alcoholic beverages to a person not of legal age to consume alcohol. Service of alcohol must be monitored and those showing signs of intoxication must appoint an adult to oversee its serving. That adult must not drink alcoholic beverages during the time of his or her execution of his or her responsibilities. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages at church events should not be publicized at the focus of the event, i.e. "cocktail party", or "beer and wine". Food must be served when alcohol is present and the serving of alcoholic beverages should conclude well before guests are scheduled to leave. The group or organization sponsoring the activity or event at which alcoholic beverages are served must have permission from the Vestry. Such groups or organizations must also assume responsibility for those persons who might become intoxicated and must provide alternative transportation for anyone whose capacity to drive may be impaired. Recognizing the effect of alcohol as a mood-altering drug, it would be advisable to consider the nature of the function at which alcoholic beverages are to be served. A caution: if participants at a church event are paying separately for alcoholic drinks, or if the event is publicized to the general public, or if alcohol is not accompanied by a meal, special liability insurance coverage beyond the usual policies of the church will most likely be required. Consult with your insurance carrier in advance of announcing the event. The illegal use of mood altering substances is forbidden at any function. Adopted by the Vestry, May 20th, 2015 --- ### Parish Hall Use - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/parish-hall-use/ - **Published:** 2016-04-02 - **Modified:** 2016-06-28 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin As important part of the outreach of St. Mary Anne's Church to the community, outside organizations may use the Parish Hall building. Usage must comply with the schedule of Parish Hall activities and be in accordance with policies, rules and regulations governing the Parish Hall's use. Any organization, group or individual that wishes to use St. Mary Anne's Parish Hall, must obtain permission from the Church Administrator. The person in charge, and an alternate of the organization, must read and sign the Usage Agreement, and declare that they will take full responsibility for the conduct of all people under their charge while in the building. The Agreement details decorating rules, kitchen check-lists, set-up and clean-up rules and expectations. Everyone that uses the Parish Hall is asked to help us maintain a neat and tidy facility so that everyone can enjoy it. Potential renters will be asked to sign the Facilities Use and Agreement mentioned above, along with a Kitchen Usage Form, at the time of booking. The following outlines specific rental policies: Parish Hall Rental Policies & Procedures The St. Mary Anne (SMA) Parish Hall may be rented to parties of not more than 110 people as permitted by the Fire Code. SMA Parish Hall and kitchen rents for a standard fee of $300.00 for up to 6 hours, which includes set-up and cleaning time. $25.00 will be charged for each additional hour. SMA extends to its active members, who would like to rent the hall for family events, a special rate of $150.00. This special rate recognizes our active member's personal ongoing support of the church. Active members are not assessed additional fees for more than 6 rental hours for a single event. Active members wishing to rent the hall on behalf of an organization to which they belong do not qualify for a "special rate". The standard fee applies. Active members or community organizations or groups who organize and sponsor social or educational activities benefiting parishioners or the community at large (such as book clubs, dancing, arts, or music events), and charge a small fee for entry/drinks etc., may use the Parish Hall for these outreach activities. SMA charges a minimum of 10% of the money taken in to cover the very basic costs of the use of the hall. If the hall is rented under the "active member" rate, the contact person must be an active and contributing member and the agreement and accompanying papers signed by that member as the responsible party. Family members and relatives who are not active members of SMA do not quality for the reduced rate. SMA extends to community non-profit organizations the privilege of using the Parish Hall free of charge, as our contribution of support of such organizations. Donations to the Church and Outreach are accepted and encouraged. Although the Parish Hall may be rented by political organizations for rallies, fundraising and other events, SMA does not affiliate itself with such organizations and the standard fee applies in all cases regardless... --- ### Music - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/music/ - **Published:** 2016-03-29 - **Modified:** 2026-01-08 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin In the Psalms we are exhorted to praise God’s name in song and with instruments. Through our music ministry, members of our congregation participate in making a “joyful noise," and our congregation is led in worship through inspirational music. Music is a vital and exciting part of the life of this church, and there is a place for you in our music ministry! Director of Music Joel Alarcon is our Director of Music. You can read from his impressive  resume, that he brings to us a wealth of talent. He is classically trained in the violin, piano, guitar and bass instruments so he brings a unique musical talent to our worship experience. He often incorporates the talents of other musicians to accompany him during worship and it is not unusual for our worship music to include the organ, viola, piano, violin, clarinet, flute and even, the ukulele.             --- ### Fellowship Ministry - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/fellowship-ministry/ - **Published:** 2016-03-28 - **Modified:** 2022-07-16 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin The St. Mary Anne parish enjoys fellowship opportunities throughout the year. The Fellowship Ministry Committee assists in the planning and set-up of parish events, such as the Valentine Day Luncheon, Shrove Tuesday Pancake Suppers, Maundy Thursday Dinner, The Annual Parish Picnic, Stewardship events, and special receptions. Help is always needed with planning, room set-up, decorations, meal prep and clean-up. Members of this ministry enjoy sharing their gift of hospitality with others. Fellowship opportunities, meeting new friends, and creating lasting memories are just some of the benefits of active participation in the Fellowship Ministry. Contact: Jennifer Swoboda   --- ### Food Pantry - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/outreach-office-food-bank/ - **Published:** 2016-03-26 - **Modified:** 2025-07-22 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin   Our Food Pantry is open on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays from 9:30AM - 12:00PM. It can be reached by telephone during these hours at 410-287-2230. The Food Pantry is open to all neighbors who need food. Unfortunately, monetary assistance is not available. Neighbors who desire food for the first time need to: Present a current photo ID Show Cecil County residency Complete a Food Pantry application Limit visits to once a month Our volunteers collect and donate food and staff the Food Pantry. We also receive donations and assistance from generous community members, churches and civic organizations. We are grateful to Bethel Lutheran Church, North East Rotary, and Dexter House for their ongoing support and assistance. If you or your organization would like to help, please call the Food Pantry at 410-287-2230. WE ARE SAINT MARY ANNE'S FOOD PANTRY   WE ARE NEIGHBORS SHARING FOOD   AS WE SEE JESUS IN YOU, MAY YOU SEE JESUS IN US --- ### Coffee Hour - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/coffee-hour/ - **Published:** 2016-03-25 - **Modified:** 2024-01-15 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin   Our Sunday coffee hours are an important fellowship opportunity for parishioners to meet over a cup of coffee and a breakfast snack. Attendees of the early service, frequently stay for an Adult Forum, and parishioners of the later service arrive early to participate as well. During this time, all parishioners can socialize and take the opportunity to join in topic discussions. Food and coffee enhance this experience. Another late coffee hour opportunity follows our 10:00AM service. A sign-up sheet, for both the early and late coffee hour times, is posted in the Parish Hall for people who want to contribute baked goods, crackers, cheese, veggies and fruit. Often, a couple of parishioners will team-up to help. Please consider helping with this hospitality ministry!   --- ### The ECW - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/the-ecw/ - **Published:** 2016-03-25 - **Modified:** 2024-01-15 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin The Episcopal Church Women is an active fellowship ministry at St. Mary Anne's. All the women of the parish are considered "members" of this fellowship group. Meetings are held periodically during the year. Two yearly fellowship events are our summer evening pot-luck picnic (usually held at a parishioner's home in mid-June) and a Christmas Soup Dinner. During the Christmas social, the ECW holds an Annual Drive for a worthwhile organization, such as a local women's shelter. In December, the ECW spends a lot of time baking cookies for the Annual Christmas Walk, held on the 1st Saturday in December.  Wednesday Women is a quarterly opportunity for the women to socialize. On the first Wednesday, four times a year,   parish women are invited to a catered lunch in the Parish Hall from 12:00-1:30 PM. The cost is approx. $15.00 and payable that day. Another major fundraiser initiative is the ECW's effort with both the Perennial Plant Table and the Hot Dog Sale at SMA's Annual Garden Market. Funds generated from these two efforts benefit the ECW's planned outreach efforts. Monies have been dispersed to the Diocese's Children Home Foundation, The Bishop's Guild, Outreach Food Pantry, an annual Vestry Pledge, and Parish Hall kitchen repairs and supplies.  Pastoral and hospitality ministries, in the form of funeral luncheons, is another component of this active women's group,  Hospitality, comfort and food are served to grieving parishioner's, and their families, at the conclusion of a loved one's funeral service. During funeral arrangements with the clergy, immediate family members must indicate their desire for a luncheon, and then plans can be made with the appropriate ECW representative.       --- ### Youth Group - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/youth-group-2/ - **Published:** 2016-03-25 - **Modified:** 2021-10-23 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin Youth Group meets twice a month on Sunday's from 11:30 to 1PM. Pizza, films and discussions related to faith part of the activities. This group is for pre-teens and teens who are in 6th thru 12th grade. They participate in a variety of activities including: Bowling, Escape Room Adventures, swimming, and kayaking. Youth Missions Over the last 10 years, our youth have participated in mission work both locally and abroad. Some of the places they have lent their help include: Lake Charles, LA; New Orleans, LA; Ensenaldo, Mexico; Iquitos, Peru; and Coroma, Costa Rica. All trips are arranged through the Diocese of Easton. The youth participate in building churches, homes and bridges. Some of the other activities they run while on their mission trips are: Vacation Bible School, Sports Evangelism, and eye glass clinics with special adjustable lens. --- ### Contact Us - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/contact-us/ - **Published:** 2016-03-24 - **Modified:** 2016-03-24 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin [contact-form-7 id="1442" title="Untitled"] --- ### Clergy - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/clergy/ - **Published:** 2016-03-21 - **Modified:** 2025-08-19 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin The Rev. John R. Schaeffer, Priest in Charge Father John came to us as Rector in 2016. He continues to lead our parish with enthusiasm, faith and energy, as our Priest-in-Charge. He and his wife Karen, married for 40 years,  have three adult children, David (Rebecca), Eric, and Jennifer (Anthony), and three grandchildren (Natalie, Cameron and Margaret). Fr. John felt the call to ministry as he raised his children and participated in lay ministry at his local church in Pittsburgh, PA.  He attended seminary part-time for a number of years while he was employed full-time in financial services industry. He obtained his Master in Divinity from Trinity School of Ministry in Ambridge, PA in 2012. He was ordained as an Episcopal priest in Diocese of Pittsburgh in December of 2012. Father John's ministry is robust both in the parish and in the community. He is a Board Member of Upper Bay Counseling & Support Services; works closely with the local Recovery community; and has an active senior ministry. He is a member of the Easton Episcopal Diocese.   The Rev. Dr. Samuel H. Hartman, Rector Emeritus The Rev. Dr. Samuel H. Hartman, rector of St. Mary Anne’s from 1990-2013, is “Rector Emeritus” of our parish. Father Sam was born in Chester, PA., on June 8 1944. He graduated from Bowdoin College, AB, cum laude, in 1966.  He received his seminary training at General Theological Seminary, graduating in 1969 with an STB; and a Doctor of Ministry from The Lancaster Theological Seminary in 2003. He was ordained in the Diocese of Maine in 1969. Sam and Judi were married in 1977. The Hartman's have two daughters and four grandchildren. Fr. Sam served in the Diocese of Maine from 1969-1983. He was Rector of St. James Church in Florence, Italy from 1983-1990. Sam received God's call to be Rector of St. Mary Anne's in 1990, and served for 23 years, retiring in 2013. He has continued his service to the Church and the Diocese of Easton; and he and Judi, have remained beloved members of our community. His title as Rector Emeritus recognizes our ongoing relationship of affection as we pledge to hold him in prayer for his health and happiness. Moreover, we dedicate ourselves as a parish to faithfulness to his legacy in the characteristics of his ministry: Joy and zest in following Jesus; faithful preaching of the Gospel; delight in solid liturgy; and a heart for all God’s children.     --- ### Building & Grounds - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/building-grounds/ - **Published:** 2016-03-17 - **Modified:** 2026-01-08 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin St. Mary Anne's is located at the corner of Church Point Road and Main Street in the town of North East, Maryland. Entirely situated on the picturesque banks of the North East River, the grounds consist of the church, rectory, parish center, vestry house, churchyard, wharf, and sexton's house. St. Mary Anne's historic church building is located within the hallowed churchyard grounds that contain headstones and monuments which attest to its age, making it one of the oldest in the state. The church and churchyard are surrounded by a stone wall, sections of which were constructed at various times throughout the 320 year history of the parish. The interior of the church has a traditional arched ceiling with pulpit, altar, tabernacle and rail in the forefront. Our worship music is enhanced by a 2 mantle 6-rank Moller pipe organ as well as a Yamaha piano. Pews line a single center aisle and seat approximately 120 persons. The small balcony area provides additional limited seating around the organ pipes. Across a brick courtyard and immediately adjacent to our church building sits the vestry house. The two-story building houses the sacristy, vestment closet, altar guild storage and accommodations for the choir. The vestry house can also serve as overflow seating and allows for viewing the service via a CCTV feed. Our parish center was constructed in 1928 and renovated in 1981, 1995;  and most recent, 2017.  It is also located next door to the church and is well-suited for hosting numerous parish and community functions. The basement houses our Outreach Food Pantry.  The first floor serves as the main activity  area and provides a kitchen with commercial grade appliances and extensive kitchenware as well as a large fellowship area with a capacity for over a dozen tables with chairs. The parish offices are housed on the second floor and include space for the rector and parish administrators, small conference area, as well as a comfortable library area suitable for meditation, study or private conversations. A rectory is located next door to the church and vestry house. An additional small building is situated on Church Point Road across from the church. Constructed in the late 1800's, it was previously occupied by the sexton and is currently utilized as a storage area. A small wharf is located a short distance down Church Point Road and is presently leased for kayak rentals. --- ### Parish Administration - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/parish-administration/ - **Published:** 2016-03-17 - **Modified:** 2026-01-08 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin The Vestry is comprised of nine members who are elected, at the January Annual Meeting, for a three-year term in alternate groups of three.  The Vestry provides administrative and financial oversight. Vestry meetings are held monthly September through July. Officers of the parish are the Senior Warden, Treasurer and Registrar. The Senior Warden and the Junior Warden who oversees the maintenance of the church’s grounds and building, are chosen by the Rector. The Treasurer and the Registrar are approved by the Vestry and have no term limits. Vestry Members Ken Blomquist Michael Pugh Mac McMullen John McFassel George Balog Kathy Mullen Linda Gibeck Jennifer Swoboda Registrar: Sande Taylor Treasurer: Barbara England Finance Associate: Judy Coudon     --- ### Youth Formation - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/youth-formation/ - **Published:** 2016-03-17 - **Modified:** 2024-01-15 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin   Youth Ministry Opportunities Our youth are frequently found serving at our altar during Sunday services, as acolytes, crucifers, and lectors. Their active participation gives them a hands-on opportunity to be a part of the worship service and is greatly encouraged by both clergy and parishioners. Many of our youth, start their ministry participation in middle school and continue until adulthood. Confirmation According to our faith we believe that in the course of Christian development, those baptized at an early age are expected, when they are ready and prepared, to make a mature public affirmation of their faith. Also, to make a commitment to the responsibilities of their Baptism. This affirmation and commitment is made in front of the bishop; during which, they receive a laying on of hands.  For additional information about Confirmation instruction, please see the clergy. --- ### Adult Formation - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/adult-formation-3/ - **Published:** 2016-03-17 - **Modified:** 2024-01-15 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin   In the Episcopal Church, we believe that Christian formation is the lifelong process of growing in our relationship with God, self, others, and all creation. To grow in our relationship with God, we strive to have a firm understanding of Scripture. So each week, our clergy preach and teach the Gospel message from the pulpit, and encourage parishioners to read and study Scripture. Weekly Scripture readings from both the Old and New Testaments are read during the Rite I and Rite II Services.  In addition, an Outline of the Faith, commonly called the Catechism, is found in The Book of Common Prayer (pp 845-862) and is a commentary on the creeds in our liturgy, and provides a brief summary of the Church’s teachings. The combination of Scripture and liturgy and teaching can be found in our weekly services. In addition to our weekly worship teachings, we have other opportunities for Adult Formation: Adult Education Forums: (9:15 - 10:00AM; periodically scheduled on Sunday mornings between services.) are led by the clergy, parishioners and occasional guests.  Topics have included: Learning about our worship; Christian living; the church and the environment; and contemporary parish interests. Currently on hiatus due to Covid. Education for Ministry Groups (EfM): Have you ever wondered what journey God has planned for your life and whether you are on the right path? This is the question that Education for Ministry (EfM) is meant to assist in answering. Each year there is reading on a piece of our tradition, i.e. the Old Testament, the New Testament; Church History & the Church Today. EfM also brings people together in Christian community and love. Biblical principles are brought into our lives and culture today, and through Reflection, our past, present and future as God’s Children are examined.  St. Mary Anne’s EfM group's are formed every September. For questions, please contact Carol Weisel. Bible Study: Recent Zoom online studies explored Apostle Paul's letters to the Ephesians and Philippians. Classes are scheduled periodically throughout the year. Confirmation: According to our faith we believe that in the course of Christian development, those baptized at an early age are expected, when they are ready and prepared, to make a mature public affirmation of their faith.  Also, to make a commitment to the responsibilities of their Baptism. This affirmation and commitment is made in front of the bishop; during which, they receive a laying on of hands. Many young adults participate in Confirmation, but adults of any age are also encouraged to participate. For additional information about Confirmation instruction, please see the clergy. Seasonal Book Clubs:  Throughout the year, we occasionally have special book clubs that meet for a few sessions or during a church season, such as Lent.  An in depth book discussion, and often an accompanying video, give us the opportunity to delve deep into important theological study, such as Tim Keller's A Reason for God, or give us vital life application such as  Resolving Everyday Conflict by Peacemaker Ministries.   --- ### News - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/news/ - **Published:** 2016-03-16 - **Modified:** 2016-03-19 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin --- ### Our Liturgy & Sacraments - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/our-liturgy-sacraments/ - **Published:** 2016-03-15 - **Modified:** 2019-08-06 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin Our Liturgy The Book of Common Prayer contains our liturgy and expresses our doctrine. "The Book of Common Prayer is a treasure chest full of devotional and teaching resources for individuals and congregations, but it is also the primary symbol of our unity. We, who are many and diverse, come together in Christ through our worship, our common prayer." (www.episcopalchurch.org) Our Sacraments We celebrate Holy Baptism and the Eucharist as the two main Sacraments of the Church. The Holy Eucharist is celebrated during our weekly Sunday worship service. During that service, we proclaim the Gospel both by Word and Sacrament. Preaching and the Eucharist are central to our worship service. In addition, we also offer the sacramental rites of confirmation, marriage, reconciliation (confession), unction (healing), and ordination. The Clergy: The Episcopal Church has deacons, priests, bishops who are ordained in apostolic succession and who derive their spiritual authority through the historic church. Clergy can be married, and women can be ordained. The Holy Eucharist (Holy Communion): All baptized Christians, regardless of age or church affiliation, are welcome to receive Holy Communion. Holy Baptism: Holy Baptism is full initiation by water and the Holy Spirit into Christ’s Body the Church. The bond which God establishes in Baptism is indissoluble. Each candidate for Baptism is to be sponsored by one or more baptized persons. Parents and godparents with an infant or child baptism are to be instructed: in the meaning of Baptism; in their duties to help the new Christians grow in the knowledge and love of God; and in their responsibilities as members of his Church. To learn more: http://stmaryanne.org/baptism-procedures/ The Celebration and Blessing of a Marriage: Christian marriage is a solemn and public covenant between the couple and God. In the Episcopal Church it is required that one, at least, of the parties be a baptized Christian; that the ceremony be attested by two witnesses; and that the marriage conform to the laws of the State and the canons of this Church. To learn more: http://www.stmaryanne.org/st-mary-annes-wedding-policies/ Funerals and Burials:The death of a member of the Church should be reported as soon as possible to the priest. Funeral arrangements should be coordinated between the funeral director, priest, and the family. Baptized Christians are properly buried from the church, and the service should be held at a time when the congregation has the opportunity to be present. To learn more: http://www.stmaryanne.org/funerals/   --- ### Our Beliefs - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/our-beliefs/ - **Published:** 2016-03-15 - **Modified:** 2024-01-15 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin   We proclaim the central tenet of our faith: Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again. We profess our faith using the ancient creeds of the church: the Apostles’ Creed and the Nicene Creed.  We believe in the Holy Trinity: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. We believe in the communion of saints, including a special place for Mary, the mother of Jesus. Historically, our beliefs have also been influenced by the Protestant Reformation and affirm that salvation is by God's grace though faith in Jesus Christ. We believe that the Old and New Testaments contain all things necessary for salvation.   The Apostles' Creed  I believe in God, the Father almighty,      creator of heaven and earth;  I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.      He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit          and born of the Virgin Mary.      He suffered under Pontius Pilate,          was crucified, died, and was buried.      He descended to the dead.      On the third day he rose again.      He ascended into heaven,          and is seated at the right hand of the Father.      He will come again to judge the living and the dead.  I believe in the Holy Spirit,      the holy catholic Church,      the communion of saints,      the forgiveness of sins     the resurrection of the body,      and the life everlasting. Amen. (BCP, p. 96)   --- ### Holy Week Service Schedule - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/holy-week-service-schedule/ - **Published:** 2016-03-15 - **Modified:** 2018-03-01 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin Palm Sunday (March 25th):  Procession of the Palms and Holy Eucharist 8AM and 10AM; Requiem at 4:00PM Monday: Sanctuary is open for personal prayer and quiet time from 6-8PM Tuesday: Evening Prayer at 7PM Wednesday: Contemplative Prayer Service at 7PM Maundy Thursday: Parish Dinner with Table Eucharist at 5:30PM, Stripping of the Altar, Night Watch. Good Friday: 12:00 service; 7:00PM Tenebrae Saturday: Easter Vigil 7:00PM ALLELUIA! Easter Morning (April 1st):  6:30AM Sunrise Service; Rite II at 8:00AM; Rite II with Choir at 10:00AM --- ### Location - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/location-and-directions/ - **Published:** 2016-03-15 - **Modified:** 2024-01-15 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin   St. Mary Anne's Episcopal Church 315 S. Main Street North East, MD 21901 St. Mary Anne's Episcopal Church is located in the scenic town of North East, Maryland. From I-95: Take the North East exit (100). Head South on MD 272 and travel approximately 3.2 miles. The church is on the right, immediately across the street from the US Post Office. Parking: When you proceed past the church, take your first right onto Church Point Road. A parking lot is immediately on your left. Street parking on that road is also allowed. Please Note: Wheelchair access ramps are available throughout the church campus buildings, but accessibility remains limited to first floor levels in all buildings. --- ### Staff - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/staff/ - **Published:** 2016-03-15 - **Modified:** 2025-01-24 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin Valerie Manges, Parish Administrator Valerie and her husband Matt are Chesapeake Isle residents. They have a grown son, Alex, who served in the US Army. She was a medical facility manager in Newark, Delaware for over twenty years. In her spare time, Valerie and her family enjoy camping and outdoor activities.         Barbara England, Treasurer Barbara grew up at St. Mary Anne’s and has been a member since 1964 when her parents moved back to North East. She currently lives outside of Elkton with her husband, Bruce. They are the parents of three grown sons and have two granddaughters. Barbara is retired from AstraZeneca where she was an accountant. She has led the SMA Finance Committee and Youth Group in the past. She is also an active volunteer with JDRF.       Joel Alarcon, Director of Music  Joel is our Director of Music and you can read from his impressive  resume, that he brings to us a wealth of talent. He is classically trained in the violin, piano, guitar and bass instruments so he brings a unique musical talent to our worship experience. He often incorporates the talents of other musicians to accompany him during worship and it is not unusual for our worship music to include the organ, viola, piano, violin, clarinet, flute and even, the ukulele.   --- ### Let Us Pray - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/let-us-pray/ - **Published:** 2016-03-15 - **Modified:** 2016-03-15 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin Prayers In Pain Lord Jesus Christ, by your patience in suffering you hallowed earthly pain and gave us the example of obedience to your Father’s will: Be near me in my time of weakness and pain; sustain me by your grace, that my strength and courage may not fail; heal me according to your will; and help me always to believe that what happens to me here is of little account if you hold me in eternal life, my Lord and my God. Amen. Thanksgiving for Recovery Almighty God, in whose hands are all our ways, I thank thee that in thy mercy I have come safely through my sickness and have my health again. Help me now to show my thankfulness to thee by serving more faithfully in my daily life and by sharing more sacrificingly in the work of thy Church; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen For Recovery from Sickness O God, the strength of the weak and the comfort of sufferers: Mercifully accept our prayers and grant to your servant N…the help of your power, that his (her) sickness may be turned into health, and our sorrow into joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy Name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits. He forgives all your sins and heals all your infirmities; He redeems your life from the grave and crowns you with mercy and loving kindness. Psalm 103:1-4 For Sleep O heavenly Father, you give your children sleep for the refreshing of soul and body; Grant me this gift, I pray; keep me in that perfect peace which you have promised to those whose minds are fixed on you; and give me such a sense of your presence, that in the hours of silence I may enjoy the blessed assurance of your love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Twenty-Third Psalm The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies; thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. For Peace of Mind Lord, thou knowest my cares and my fears. Help me to turn them all over to thee, who has promised to give rest to our souls. Grant to me now a restful spirit and a peaceful mind, and in quietness and confidence and faith find new strength. Amen. In Sickness O God... --- ### Who was St. Mary Anne? - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/about-st-mary-annes-parish/who-was-st-mary-anne/ - **Published:** 2016-03-09 - **Modified:** 2019-08-06 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin Well, there was no St. Mary Anne ... but there's a good story involved in the unique name of our church.  In 1706, the colonial legislature and governor of Maryland established a new parish on the north shore of the Elk River. As was the custom in England, the Lord of the Manor on which the parish was to be located set aside the land for the church buildings. Sometime between the years 1709 and 1715, a wooden church was built on the site of the present church. The Reverend Jonas Auren, who was a Swedish Lutheran clergyman, established the first congregation of English, Swedes, and Finns. This congregation became the congregation of St. Mary's Parish. In 1714, Queen Anne died. Part of her bequest was a sum to be used to establish the Anglican Church in the colonies. St. Mary's received a large Bible, a Book of Common Prayer, and a silver chalice and paten from this source. In gratitude for these gifts, the congregation renamed itself St. Mary Anne's. For more details about the history of St. Mary Anne's Church, click here.   --- ### Service Times - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/worship/ - **Published:** 2014-10-14 - **Modified:** 2025-04-21 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin Sunday Morning Services: 8:00AM   Rite 1 Service with Holy Eucharist 10:00AM  Rite 2 Service with Holy Eucharist Recovery Service:  2nd Sunday of the Month; 6:00PM; Praise music, testimonial, and Eucharist.   --- ### Welcome to St. Mary Anne's! - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/ - **Published:** 2014-10-14 - **Modified:** 2026-01-08 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin Traditions, a sense of history and most important, faith in God, can give us a sense of comfort and stability—especially in a world that appears to be less stable each and every day. At St Mary Anne's Episcopal Church, we are proud of our traditions and history as one of the oldest Episcopal parishes on the Eastern Shore. The beauty of St Mary Anne’s Church surrounds us as we hear the comforting and reassuring words of the Gospel of Jesus Christ preached from our pulpit.  Our liturgy, from The Book of Common Prayer, is a sacred gift of prayer and worship to God, and grounds us in our faith. We firmly believe that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is a message of hope and comfort for all—a message that is essential and relevant for our modern and chaotic lives. We also derive comfort from traditional worship in a historic church. St Mary Anne’s, though, is more than a historic building--it is filled with people who will learn your name and care about you—and the community. Our faith, traditions, and people can give you the comfort and stability you desire. We are a vibrant, historic church. We've preached Christ for 320 years!   Join us for Family Train Day  Saturday, January 10, 2026 10AM-3PM in the Parish Center! Free Admission but donations are requested to benefit Youth Empowerment of Elkton. Stay for lunch! Fun for the whole family!     --- ### Wedding Policies - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/st-mary-annes-wedding-policies/ - **Published:** 2011-09-26 - **Modified:** 2024-01-15 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin Christian marriage is a solemn and public covenant in the presence of God.  As such, marriage is a sacrament of the church.  A marriage ceremony must be attested to by two witnesses, and must conform to the laws of Maryland and the canons of this church. When a couple decides to be married, they should contact Father John Schaeffer to discuss their plans before any other arrangements are made.  At least thirty days advance notice is required.  No final decision about solemnization of the marriage in the church can be made until the couple and clergy have met at least once. To contact Fr. John please call the church office or email him at: fatherjohn@stmaryanne.org. Click here to review our Wedding policies             --- ### St. Mary Anne's History - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/about-st-mary-annes-parish/st-mary-annes-history/ - **Published:** 2011-09-20 - **Modified:** 2019-08-06 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin In 1706, owing to the lack of the established church on the northern shore of the Elk River, the colonial legislature and governor of Maryland established the North Elk Parish. As was the custom in England, the Lord of the Manor on which the parish was to be located, in this case, Henry Harford, the illegitimate son of Frederick, Lord Baltimore, set aside four acres of land for the establishment of the church buildings. Early survey maps indicate that sometime between 1709 and 1715 a wooden church was built on this land, the site of the present church, but no details about this first building are known. The Reverend Jonas Auren, a Swedish Lutheran clergyman, came to New Sweden late in the 1600's and stayed in America until his death in 1713. Most of this time he was in Cecil County (founded in 1674), preaching for a congregation of English, Swedes, and Finns. This congregation became the congregation of St. Mary Anne's, and the Rev. Mr. Auren its first Rector. In 1743, the Vestry contracted with Henry Baker for the building of a brick church, at a cost of 300 pounds, to replace the old wooden structure. A detailed description of this building can be found in the minutes of the Vestry dated March 1, 1743, and, except for the bell tower, which was added later. The cornerstone at the southwest corner of the building contains the initials of the rector and Vestry members of the time and date, 1743. The names are as follows: The Reverend William Wye (rector), John Currer, Zebulon Hollingsworth, Nicholas Hyland, Henry Baker, Edward Johnson, and Thomas Ricketts. It was during this period that the parish was supplied with a large parcel of property known as glebe land. This land, about 100 acres near Charlestown, was held in trust by the Vestry and worked by a farmer to provide funds to support a minister. Additional money for church support was obtained through taxation of local landowners. The Vestry also had responsibility for matters of morality in the community, especially "illegal cohabitation". The first mention of the War for American Independence appeared in the Vestry minutes in September 1777 when, following the landing of Howe's troops on the shore of the Elk River on their way to capture Philadelphia, the minutes stated: "The English appear's in our Rivers and Bays and our Vestry thereby being disturbed could not meet and therefore cannot be accountable for any Fines imposed". The next year, the Rector, the Rev. William Thompson left suddenly and without explanation, perhaps leaving the colonies for England or Canada, as many Anglican clergy did, because they could not swear the Oath of Allegiance to the revolutionary cause (and against the King) without, they believed, violating their vows of ordination. For the next years, the church was without a rector and services were led by lay readers. The most notable of these was Mr. Joseph Coudon. He was urged by the Vestry to seek ordination, and,... --- ### Liturgical Ministry Schedules - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/parish-ministries/liturgical-ministry-schedules/ - **Published:** 2011-07-08 - **Modified:** 2017-04-06 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin  Acolyte Schedule April May June 2017 VPOW Schedule altar-guild-2017-schedule-webpage SMA Layreaders 2nd Qtr. 2017   Almighty and everlasting God, by whose Spirit the whole body of they faithful people is governed and sanctified: Receive our supplications and prayers, which we offer before thee for all members of they holy Church, that in their vocation and ministry they may truly and godly serve thee; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the same Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. BCP. p 206  --- ### Help & Mission - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/parish-outreach/ - **Published:** 2011-07-01 - **Modified:** 2021-11-29 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin 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. Food Pantry: Our Outreach Office is open Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays from 9:30AM to Noon. We have over 30 volunteers which includes our dedicated office staff, food delivery teams, loading crews, food room organizers and baggers, and those who come in to help us with special events. Our office was open 138 days this past year serving 1,249 families or 3,440 individuals.  We bagged and distributed 6,284 St. Mary Anne’s bags and 1,257 federal food bags [TEFAP program or Temporary Emergency Food Assistance Program]. Giving Tree:  Early in the fall, local schools provide us with the names of  needy children who can benefit from a Christmas present. Parishioners shop for gifts on the child's wishlist and then, the gifts are distributed to parents or the teachers the week before Christmas. Mission Committee: Our nine-member Mission Committee coordinates our financial gifts to projects locally and around the world, organizes parish fund-raisers  such as the "Duck Races" for various mission projects, and leads in educating the parish in mission and outreach concerns. Monthly, committee members prepare simple bagged meals for a local organization that provides assistance to the homeless. The committee has, as its mission statement, the following:  The Mission Committee, through the guidance of our Lord Jesus Christ, endeavors to encourage, educate and stimulate the parish to be Christ's hands and feet in our community, nation, and world, not only in the use of our financial resources, but through love and action.  Parish Center Use for Non-Profits: Each week, the Parish Center is used for many community activities. Non-profit groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Al Anon, Narcotics Anonymous,  and a Chess Club, have found a home at SMA.  Almighty and most merciful God, we remember before you all poor and neglected persons whom it would be easy for us to forget: the homeless and the destitute, the old and the sick, and all who have none to care for them. Help us to heal those who are broken in body or spirit, and to turn their sorrow into joy. Grant this Father, for the love of your Son, who for our sake became poor, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (BCP, p 826) --- ### Child Formation - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/parish-ministries/religious-education/ - **Published:** 2011-07-01 - **Modified:** 2024-01-15 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin   We believe that the best instruction for children and adults in the Christian Faith, and our Episcopal expression of that faith, is participation in our Sunday worship services. You and your children are always welcome to join our services. Baptism According to our faith,  we believe that Holy Baptism is full initiation by water and the Holy Spirit into Christ’s Body the Church. Click here to learn more: baptism procedures. Holy Communion In the Episcopal Church, all baptized Christians can receive the Eucharist of bread and wine at the altar. In some faith traditions, children must wait to receive the Eucharist until they receive special instruction and participate in a “Holy Communion” service. Children in the Episcopal Church—Anglican Catholics—do not have that restriction. With that said, though, our clergy believe that baptized children should receive proper instruction before receiving communion at the altar for the first time. Children learn about communion, first and foremost, by attending church and observing those at the altar. They will recognize the reverence at the altar as people kneel and place their hands to receive the Eucharist—and they will want to imitate and receive. When this happens, the stage is set for instruction.  In combination with regular church attendance, parent participation at the Eucharist, and the Church School instruction, our youngsters begin to demonstrate when they are ready to receive the Eucharist. Parents are encouraged to speak with the clergy when they feel that their child is ready to receive, so any questions can be addressed. When ready, clergy are happy to coordinate a special date when family and friends may want to take communion together as a family. Children attend Church School two sessions per month on the 1st and 3rd Sundays in the Parish Center at 9:45AM. Instruction lasts until 10:30AM. At the conclusion, children are escorted to the church so they can sit with parents during the Holy Eucharist portion of the church service. Toddler care (must be able to walk) is offered at the same time. Interested? Call the office and speak with Father John to register your child.    --- ### Worship Ministries - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/parish-ministries/ - **Published:** 2011-07-01 - **Modified:** 2023-12-23 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin We encourage parishioners to actively participate in our worship.  There are many opportunities to help during our Sunday services, and on special occasions.  New participants in these roles are always welcome. 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. Contact(s): Andrea Pugh or Phyllis Doyle Flower Ministry: Members of this ministry, enjoy decorating the church and altar with seasonal flowers for Palm Sunday, Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas services. Fresh floral arrangements for Easter not only adorn the church but also the entrance gates of the graveyard, church doors, and walkway between the church and Vestry House. Funds for flowers are donated at both Christmas and Easter. In addition, some members deliver altar flowers to shut-ins and those in need. Contact: Nancy Ball The Choir at St. Mary Anne's organizes and sings for both Advent/Christmas and Holy Week/Easter. Lectors: Have the ministry of proclaiming the Scriptures during the liturgies. We welcome lectors of all ages. Contact: Parish Administrator Ushers: Ministers of hospitality who greet the members, hand out bulletins, collect the offering, and assist people to the communion rail. Contact: Chris Inmon     --- ### Parish Calendar - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/parish-events/ - **Published:** 2011-07-01 - **Modified:** 2018-08-01 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin [calendar]   --- ### About Us - **URL:** https://www.stmaryanne.org/about-st-mary-annes-parish/ - **Published:** 2011-07-01 - **Modified:** 2024-01-15 - **Author:** St Mary Anne Admin St. Mary Anne's is an Episcopal Parish. We are a parish in the Diocese of Easton, a constituent Diocese of the Episcopal Church.  The Episcopal Church is the current day descendant of the Church of England which was brought to Maryland in Colonial times. Often we are seen as a "bridge" between Protestantism and Roman Catholicism  - our worship and sacraments are similar to the Roman Catholic Church, but our organization, theology and social teachings are closer to mainline Protestant churches.  To learn more about the Episcopal Church, click here.   Our Mission We gather in the name of Jesus Christ to worship God; to invite all into a community of friendship, love and respect; and to nurture and strengthen our faith. We go out to share God’s Spirit and to live God’s love; to be faithful stewards of God’s creation; and to help those in need. Everliving God, whose will it is that all should come to you through your Son Jesus Christ: Inspire our witness to him, that all may know the power of forgiveness and the hope of his resurrection; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. (The Book of Common Prayer, p 816) --- --- # Navigation - [Main Documentation Index](https://www.stmaryanne.org/llms.txt): Return to the main documentation overview