Dear Faithful,
Over 30 years ago actor Tom Bodet, spokesperson for the Motel 6 chain, famously coined the slogan: “We’ll leave the light on for you”. Motel 6 used that warm and fuzzy image as their signature-marketing catchphrase on their television and radio commercials.
In early October that statement rang through my head when I turned on the church’s big spotlights. From four different angles, the bright lights illuminate the church from seven to 10PM each evening. Back in March, I switched them off and they remained so until two weeks ago. Turning them off—back then—was just one small effort at fiscal responsibility in the midst of a pandemic.
However, I found that dark and empty church as depressing as our situation. So, I switched on a small light—the piano light actually—and left it on. Like our sanctuary candle that remains lit beside the altar, the small light shone constantly and reminded me of the steadfast light of Christ. I needed that reminder, as did everyone who walked or drove by our quiet church.
We never turned that light off, and only missed worship once—at the request of the Bishop—in the early days of the pandemic (March 15, 2020). Therefore, we continue to leave St. Mary Anne’s light on for you during this pandemic. We,
- Celebrate weekly church and prayer services and record them to our YouTube Channel.
- Embraced and learned how to use recording equipment and technology to stay connected.
- Devised strict procedures and protocols and purchased equipment to keep us safe.
- Worshiped weekly with Mass on the Grass summer services.
- Reinstituted Wednesday morning Eucharist services as a “Sunday alternative”.
- Changed Outreach procedures to help those in need.
- Keep you current with our weekly Enews, bulletins, Facebook postings, and the website.
- “Zoom” online meetings to continue with church business, mission and study.
- Built a strong Prayer Chain.
- Reimagined our music for outside worship with the talents of Joel & Shelly Ray Alarcon and family, Alex Bi and our Virtual Choir—and the creative use of electronic instruments and equipment.
- Started and/or continue important conversations about topical issues and our faith (EfM, Bible study, racism dialogues, Confirmation classes).
- Initiated two large parish activity projects: The Thompson Memorial Crocus Lawn and the Advent Reflections.
- Maintain the property with painting, gardening, cleaning, and tree work, to keep our sacred trust.
- Sustain good stewardship with fiscal responsibility, your generosity, and care.
- Worked for, and accomplished, a safe return to inside worship.
Yes, the light is on through this difficult time. We do not have a choice, as we refuse to be the generation—314 years after St. Mary Anne’s inception—to extinguish that light. We are committed to bring the light of Christ to future generations.
Thank you to everyone who keeps that light illuminated with his or her time, treasure and talent. We ask that you continue to use that energy and commitment to keep the light shining on the Gospel of Jesus Christ and our mission.
Please prayerfully consider making a pledge offering for 2021. Together, “we’ll leave the light on for you” and future generations.
Blessings,
Fr. John Schaeffer and St. Mary Anne’s Vestry
In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16
How to Pledge
We appreciate your generosity and hope to make it as easy as possible to donate to our parish. You may pledge by filling out a pledge form through our church office. Or hit the button below and fill out our online pledge form.
