Following the guidelines of CDC and State recommendations that limit group gatherings to 50, and for groups of Seniors to 10, we are planning to start streaming worship services effective March 22.
More information on how this will be accomplished will be posted in the next few days.
Women from four of Belfast’s churches this week agreed to participate in a dramatic Holy Week event: a retelling of the crucifixion story titled “Women of the Passion: A Journey to the Cross.”
Women from First Church, St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church, First Baptist Church and St. Francis of Assisi Church will present “Women of the Passion” on Wednesday, April 8, at 5:30 p.m. at St. Margaret’s Church.
Organized much like traditional “Stations of the Cross,” this version features narration of each station by a woman mentioned in the Bible whose life was transformed by her encounter with Jesus. Fourteen women tell of their experience of him and then describe their emotion as they witness his crucifixion.
“Women of the Passion,” written more than 20 years ago by journalist Katie Sherrod for a parish retreat in Fort Worth, Texas, has been presented in hundreds of churches across the country since then. The moving stories come from Mary Magdalene, the woman taken in adultery, the woman with the flow of blood, the widow with her mite and nine more. Three meditations begin the observance and recount the anointing of Jesus by a woman, his denial by Peter and the dream of Pilate’s wife. The readings end with Mary’s grief as a mother over the loss of her son and the peace she finds as she places him in the tomb.
All are welcome to attend this retelling of the passion at St. Margaret’s Church, 95 Court St..
If a storm is coming and you’re wondering whether church might be cancelled, notification will be placed after 7:00 PM on Saturday evening on the our website and on the church voicemail, 338-2412. and listen to the announcement. The same announcements will be posted after 7:00 PM on Tuesday evening for a cancelled Wednesday service.
The celebration of Christmas through music will continue at St. Margaret’s on Sunday, Dec. 29, when the Will O’ the Wind woodwinds ensemble will perform during a 4 p.m. service of Christmas lessons and carols. All are welcome for the special Holiday service, which will be in addition to the two morning services with Holy Eucharist at 8 and 10:15 a.m.
The Will O’ the Wind musicians include Syrena Gatewood and Jean Goldfine on clarinets; Mike Bozonie, bassoon; Shannon Elliott, flute; and vocalist Dean Jorgenson.
A good gathering of dogs, cat, cremains and fond memories were on hand for the special service on the lawn. We sang All Things Bright and Beautiful with some accompaniment from a handsome baritone Retriever! Heard the creation reading from Genesis, and the animals were blessed by name. Rev. John Nieman also blessed a newly planted hydrangea given in loving memory of former parishioner Annie Parkman.
Save the date! On October 6, between the services at 9:30 a.m., all and any of our pets can be blessed by Rev. John Nieman on the lawn between the church and parish house. This is the Sunday closest to St. Francis’ Feast Day.Tell your friends and neighbors!
More than 40 invitations sent to newcomers who have joined us in the last four years drew at least half of them on Sunday to be recognized during the service and to be feted at the brunch that followed.
Parishioners told stories about how they came to St. Margaret’s and what the parish family means to them. One seasonal parishioner told of the trials of the Diocese of Fort Worth and her experience through that time and afterwards; how St. Margaret’s helped her during that period. Another shared how she started coming to St. Margaret’s and became an Episcopalian after many decades of being a Roman Catholic. One could see others taking it in and feeling a kinship. These stories and more were heart-warming, honest, and served as a thread to knit the community and make it stronger.
The smorgasbord of food provided by parishioners was a delight for both the taste buds and eyes. Thank you to all who lovingly prepared something for the table.
It was a beautiful day to celebrate outdoors with Penobscot Bay as a backdrop. A good turn out from both St. Mark’s and St. Margaret’s to join together for Eucharist and potluck picnic.
On Sunday, July 14, we will be joining the good people of St. Mark’s, Waterville for worship outdoors at Mosman Park in Searsport, followed by a picnic. The service will begin at 11:00 AM and the food and fellowship will follow.
What to bring: a lawn chair, a side dish or dessert to share, and any beverages you might like. St. Mark’s will be providing hamburgers/hot dogs/veggie burgers and all necessary condiments and will bringing sides/desserts as well.
One of the members of St. Mark’s works at the Penobscot Marine Museum and will be offering tours at 1:00