Many opportunities exist to give and to receive hospitality and stewardship at St. Mary's. Some of these ministries include:
Art Guild
St. Mary's Art Guild celebrates the power of the Visual Arts in the Christian journey. The Art Guild plans and presents exhibitions and relation activities (such as receptions and artist talks) to increase the presence of the Visual Arts at St. Mary's. We also advise the parish on matters relating to the visual arts. Any parishioner interested in the arts is welcome to join this ministry (you do not have to be an artist). The Art Guild has one meeting a year - a gathering in September over dessert and coffee - to make plans for the year. We then help plan and hang exhibitions and provide food and hospitality at hte artist reception which celebrates each show. Questions about the Art Guild and activities may be directed to Peggy Parker at pparker@vts.edu.
Stewardship of Creation
The preservation of our planet is paramount. We know that we must conserve, recycle, consume carefully and safeguard, but how? What are the steps toward environmental sustainability that we must take now so that our children, and their children, and generations to come may enjoy a healthy planet? And why should it be a particular responsibility of people of faith? If these are questions you’d like to explore, and you feel a particular call to environmental stewardship, say your prayers and then join us this Fall as we explore a Christian Theology of the Stewardship of Creation. Ideas and energy are very welcome. Contact The Rev. Elizabeth Marie Melchionna or Mary Beth Emerson.
Every Member Canvass
St. Mary's Stewardship ministry faithfully believes that every member of our St. Mary's community is in search of our Lord's peace and assists parishioners in seeing how this journey meshes with our time, talents, and treasure in many different ways. The Every Member Canvass (the EMC) officially takes place on Ingathering Sunday each Fall (this year it is Sunday, October 5); however, stewardship is a year-round commitment both within the walls of St. Mary's and within our larger community and world. For more information on how to be a part of the Stewardship Committee and the EMC team, please contact Pete or Becky Lauer at lauer@sirweb.org.
Finance Committee
St. Mary's Finance Committee assists the Vestry on financial matters in support of Outreach and all other church functions. This committee works to develop and oversee the budget of the parish, as well. Interested parishioners are invited to talk with the Rector (fr.andrew.merrow@stmarysarlington.org) or Bob Waters (rswarlington@yahoo.com) to learn more and see if this committee is right for them.
Funeral Ministry
Members of St. Mary's Funeral Ministry help to prepare the worship space for all funeral services, serve during the service as needed, and help reset the space for our regular services. It is considered an honor and privilege to support and serve those who are bereaved. This team is a subsidiary ministry of the Altar Guild. This is a ministry whose membership is invited to serve by Fr. Merrow. If you are interested, please be in touch with him to express your interest (fr.andrew.merrow@stmarysarlington.org).
Gardening Ministry
The Gardening Ministry at St. Mary's is responsible for the care and maintenance of the grounds and gardens of St. Mary's. This ministry developed and maintains the Memorial Garden. Help is always needed to weed, mulch, water, and seasonally plant and prune. All are welcome. During the summer, folks are invited to meet on Tuesday mornings from 9:30-11am for maintenance. Any time you can give is a gift. Please contact Claudia Boswell if you would like more information (703.536.6445).
Hospitality Ministry
This ministry is simply to welcome, greet, and feed all and is a responsibility of all parishioners. This includes volunteering to help with coffee hours and various receptions and other events. We have a group of parishioners that have experience and can offer helpful tips and guidance to first-time participants who would like leadership roles. For more information, please be in touch with Marybeth Emerson at marybeth.emerson@stmarysarlington.org.
Koinonia Dinners
Koinonia Dinners allow parishioners of St. Mary's - newcomes and old timers - to get to know one another better and enjoy each other's fellowship. This is an intentionally low-key informal avenue to help build and sustain relationships within the parish over dinner shared together. We have a sign-up in the Fall. Groups are then mixed and matched and meet three times throughout the year (or more if the group decides). For more information or to inquire about signing up in the Fall, please contact Rob and Marta Cahill at rob311@verizon.net.
Meals that Heal
Meals that Heal prepares meals for St. Mary's parishioners who are ill, caring for the ill, homebound, or bereaved. This ministry also celebrates the arrival of a new baby by preparing one meal for the family. The ministy is organized into teams. It is a rewarding ministry and a wonderful way to meet other parishioners and assist them when in need. Be in touch with Kate Patton to express your interest or to learn more (katemoorepatton@yahoo.com).
Newcomers
St. Mary's Newcomers Ministry provides welcome and assistance to visitors and new members, and hosts gatherings to introduce new folks to some of the members, ministry, and staff at St. Mary's - helping them to find avenues to exercise their gifts for ministry and learn more about the St. Mary's community. If you are interested in this committee or would like to find out more, please be in touch with The Rev. Elizabeth Marie Melchionna at elizabeth.marie@stmarysarlington.org.
Vestry
The leadership of the Episcopal Church is a shared ministry of laity and clergy. The canons (laws) of the Church provide for each parish to elect a Vestry which, together with the parish clergy, is responsible for guiding the life of the parish. The Vestry meets with the clergy each month to prayfully consider and decide on parish matters. New Vestry members are elected by the parish at the Annual Meeting each winter. Vestry members serve three-year terms. To find out more, please be in touch with the Rector (fr.andrew.merrow@stmarysarlington.org).
