Dear Beloved Community,
Since accepting the call to serve as the Priest at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, the Vestry and I have worked to bring financial stability and compassionate service to both our faithful parishioners and the larger community, as we are located in the heart of Cold Spring. Our mission is grounded in radical hospitality, service to others and the “Care of Creation” as shown by the diversity of programs, events, and groups that we currently sponsor or host, such as the:
● Philipstown Reform Synagogue, with whom we provide space for their worship and fellowship;
● Advent Evensong ecumenical services, and Thanksgiving interfaith worship gatherings;
● Thanksgiving Community Dinners, providing individual precooked meals for anyone that asks;
● Veterans Memorial and Memorial Day Garden of Remembrance, honoring veterans;
● Vaccination Clinic in partnership with Drug World, keeping our community healthy;
● Community Great Lawns, where villagers and visitors can enjoy open green space at no charge;
● “Closing the Loop” Thrift Sales, supporting the local sustainable fashion movement;
● “Music @ St. Mary’s” program, bringing live secular musical performances of all genres;
● Alcoholic Anonymous & other support groups, serving those in recovery or distress;
● Halloween and Community Day events;
● Modern Makers Markets, where local artisans can display and sell their wares;
● Rectory Office Space for service professionals and remote workers; and
● Community Corner for demonstrations of peaceful awareness around war and violence.
We’re at a critical juncture, and we’re asking the broader community to help us make crucial choices. If you want St. Mary’s to continue and remain here as a vibrant place for the next century without any property development, then we need your financial support. Perhaps you will be our lead donor in the campaign as we launch our legacy and capital campaign.
Everyone’s help is needed to save our beautiful historic buildings; and keep St. Mary’s open. We are an inviting, welcoming, inclusive, and affirming congregation in the Episcopal tradition, that gathers for worship and beautiful music at 10 am every Sunday. Everyone is invited to join us.
If you have any concerns, unanswered questions, or would like to meet with me and/or the Wardens to discuss the particulars further, we are at your service. Please reach out to us to schedule a time, whether in-person, by phone or Zoom. Our contact information is above.
With God’s every joy, and blessing on you and those you love, I am yours in peace and hope,
Fr. Steve
rev.steve.schunk@gmail.com
St. Mary’s Episcopal Church