Legacy Project - What a Celebration!

The Service and Festivities

 

   June 9^th, 2013, a day that will live forever in our memories!  On a quintessentially soft Maine summer evening, it all began at 5pm with a beautiful service of consecration of the Father James P. Dalton-Thompson Chapel led by Bishop Lane, was highlighted by an incredibly inspiring Bruckner anthem presented by the S. Mary's Choir,  all piped into the church via two-way audio for the (assembled) parishioners.

    In the chapel were Father James' family and friends who had traveled from near and far for this event, as well as Parish and Legacy leadership and a representative of our youngest generation.  Following the consecration, this group processed behind the choir to the church, joining the rest of their parish family for an extraordinarily moving  service of blessing and celebration, highlighted by the re-dedication of the Mother Window. 

     Following the service, the congregation processed to the Parish House for the Bishop's additional blessings and for the recognition of all those involved in the Legacy Project, beginning, appropriately, with all the S. Marians and friends who have supported this endeavor.  Senior Warden Hugh Smith presided, offering thanks to the scores of volunteers, partners and the project leadership.  Hannah Russell and Jennifer Gregg, co-chairs of the Campaign, were (presented) each with beautifully framed  copies of the Legacy "rendering" of the Parish House and grounds prepared by Scott Simons Architects, as well as a letter from Bishop Lane and Father Nathan.  Dick Miller, leader of the construction, received the same as well as a "Chair for the Chapel" dedicated to the Millers and a "purse," the latter donated by Parish leadership on behalf of the entire S. Mary's family.   All assembled then enjoyed a feast – a table replete with sweets, savories and punch.

   Special thanks to  Janet Bowne, and members of the Vestry and Campaign Committee for leading and coordinating, along with  Anne LaFond, Hannah Russell, Beth Shaw, George Barrett, Bruce Fithian and the Choir, Helga Ryder, Alison McGonagle, Marti Galli, Norma Jean Brilliant, Dick Miller, Hugh and Mary Smith, Julia Stinneford, Elizabeth McIntosh, Michael McIntosh, Becky Pride, Shelley Maher, Karen Mynahan and Mary Ann McLean.

If you missed this wonderful service, check out the event pictures on our web page or on the Facebook page!

  

 The Donor Plaque--(PLEASE CHECK YOUR LISTING!)

   The latest version of the Legacy Donor Plaque was unveiled and is now on display in the foyer of the Auditorium.  We have already determined that it requires many corrections!  All donors will soon be receiving a letter with a copy of this plaque with a request to check their listing and advise any corrections or changes.  You are also invited to indicate these changes on a sheet under the donor plaque on display.  Thank you for your cooperation and patience!  We want to ensure that this plaque is PERFECT before fabricating the permanent plaque!

  

   And it's not too late!   Each and every parishioner is invited to be part of this (single) and unique moment in the life of S. Mary's and there is still time to jump in!  Again, there is NO minimum or expected level of participation; one-time gifts are welcome or one can donate over a period of time (until 2016) at level and schedule with which YOU are comfortable.  Our goal:  100 percent participation! (We are still shy of our goal so all gifts will help us make the finish line of this marathon!!)  Just sign the list at the base of the draft Donor Plaque in the foyer of the auditorium or contact Beth Shaw.

Legacy Project - June 2013

Legacy Project

Time to Celebrate!

Halleluiah! What began as a dream nearly six years ago will be completed in time for a wonderful celebration on June 9^th as Bishop Lane dedicates our new chapel, re-dedicates our Mother Window and leads us in asking God to bless this place, what we learn in it and all that we do to carry the Good News from it.

It has been quite a journey. We have experienced excitement, tragedy, challenges large and small, surprises good and bad and ultimately, anticipation, thrill and joy as our dreams took physical form and their beauty revealed. As we traveled this road, much of the focus was, not surprisingly, on "the money." Yet, while the encouragement to support this effort will continue until the project is fully funded, this campaign has been about ever so much more than "just the money." At its core, this project provided us all with an opportunity, heaven-sent, to engage in conversation, private and public, about our faith and our life at S. Mary's—our hopes, our fears, our concerns, our joys. And at very difficult juncture in our communal life, this project helped us to cope, to hope, to heal and to look forward. Enduring relationships were forged; you can't put a price-tag on that.

We've been reminded of many lessons along our way: The importance of a mutually-developed strategy; building consensus; communication, transparency and accountability. Basic to it all, however, was one lesson we should never, ever forget: This Parish can accomplish anything when we come together in common cause.

As we celebrate on June 9^th, we will have the joy of thanking the many volunteers who have worked so very hard to lead this effort. Their willingness to participate in the interminable meetings, their wise counsel, their energy and dedication to this project was both inspirational and critical to its success. Let us not forget, however, that the Legacy Project has been the accomplishment of so very many more: each and every one who supported, encouraged, consulted, collaborated and prayed together, always together, to get this job done.

On behalf of the Legacy Campaign and Building Committee, thank you, all.

Legacy Project - May 2013

Legacy Project : Springtime Finishes for the Parish House!

Ledgewood Returns

With the return of warmer climes, Ledgewood has also returned to S. Mary's to finish exterior work. They have begun with additional landscaping in the churchyard and around the perimeter of the campus, working their way towards the Parish House. This will be followed in early May by curbing of sidewalks and exterior painting of the Parish House, as well as paving and marking of the parking lot and exit onto Waites Landing. Final landscaping touches will be added, and we expect the construction to be completed…yes, REALLY…in time for the celebration on June 9.

Campaign News:

Many thanks to our most recent donors, each of whom is helping to close the remaining funding gap. If you haven't yet pledged to this campaign, it is not too late! Thanks also to those who are not only remaining current with their pledges but paying them in advance, as each payment reduces our financial obligation!

Father James Chapel graced with Verner Reed Sculpture

S. Mary's has been blessed with a donation of a crucifix sculpted by the renowned artist, Verner Reed. Verner was nationally recognized for his black and white photography, but also spent many years of his life as a sculptor as well. He loved creating crosses and crucifixes as well as interpreting Bible stories in his sculpture. His faith was personal and deep and he loved going to S. Mary's during a weekday to sit alone in the church. Verner and Father James spent meaningful hours together during the final weeks of Verner's life and Verner felt that they had a strong connection. As his wife, Debbie, notes, "Verner would love knowing that one of his crucifixes would hang in the chapel named for Father James."

Art in the Parish House

Some interior decorating has also been underway inside the Parish House, as we have hung our paintings and placed our sculptures throughout. Many thanks to Janet Corey, Erin Ferrell, Onnie Hastings and Hannah Russell who, with the guidance of Father Nathan, have sought a "look" that will support our vision of encouraging faith and trust in God, communicating in a manner that will honor our history while looking to the future. Key guidelines have included avoiding clutter, keeping a clean and simple look, promoting original art and seeking a balance between the practical and the artistic. Their work continues!

The Celebration – Save the Date, June 9, 5pm

We will gather in the church on June 9th at 5 p.m. to celebrate the Legacy Project with the dedication of the chapel and re-dedication of the Mother Window. Bishop Lane will be with us to mark this wonderful time in our history. Please plan to attend as it will be a celebration to be remembered!!

Legacy Project - April 2013

The Celebration!

S. Mary's parishioners, friends and neighbors are cordially invited – Please Save the Date! And if you would like to help with the reception, please contact Janet Bowne, janetbowne@maine.rr.com.

Legacy Project Consecration and Blessing

With Bishop Stephen T. Lane

Sunday, June 9, 2013

Service begins in the church at 5pm

Gala Reception to follow in the Parish House

Tours, Suggestions, needs and wants!

If you haven't yet had a personal tour of the new and renovated spaces, please seek out or contact Jennifer Gregg, Dick Miller or another member of the Legacy Cabinet or Building Committee. All would be delighted to give you a guided tour.

Also, we need all eyes looking for post-construction repairs. Please check out the "Suggestions/Needs?Wants" list on the "Ryder Sign-Up Table," located in the foyer of the Guild Room. Furnishings or equipment needed that are critical to our life and ministries? We want to hear about it. Disclamer: We cannot guarantee that we can satisfy all your needs, but as manpower and if/when funding become available, we want to have a global list to prioritize!

Construction—and fundraising—continue!

We are looking forward to welcoming Ledgewood back on campus in April to complete work on the driveways and landscaping.

In addition, if you are one of the 80 or so parishioners who are still contemplating a gift to this transformational effort, please check your home mailboxes! S. Mary's has reached out to you with the latest detailed information on this project, along with an offer to meet to answer any questions help you decide if and how you, too, can support this effort. YOU are in a position to bring this campaign to a successful close by supporting at a level commensurate with your means.  

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Legacy Project - March 2013

The Move!

    S. Marians arrived in droves to lift, tote and place furnishings in a barely-controlled frenzy of activity to empty trailers and fill our beautifully renovated spaces with long-stored "treasures."   There followed our stalwart, self-named team of "Dust Bunnies" who scrubbed and polished from floor to ceiling.  Please know how much S. Mary's appreciates your donation of time, strong backs, elbow grease  and, in particular, good humor throughout.  (A special shout-out to the Streets for lunch!)  Thank you!

   We  will  live with the placement of these furnishings for a bit, as we determine what furnishings we need to keep, where it should all "live" and what  we might yet donate to others in need.  Welcome your interior design ideas!   

 

Suggestions, needs and wants!

   Please check out the "Suggestions/Needs?Wants" list on the "Ryder Sign-Up Table," now located in the foyer of the Guild Room.  Anything need to be repaired or remedied?  Furnishings or equipment needed that are critical to our life and ministries?  We want to hear about it.  Disclamer: We cannot guarantee that we can satisfy all your needs, but as manpower and if/when funding become available, we want to have a global list to prioritize!

 

"You mean it's not over yet?"

   This transforming endeavorstill needs your support.   $80K+ is needed to fully fund this prject and if you have not yet pledged to this effort,  we invite you to tour these  beautiful facilities that 211 fellow-parishioners and friends  have helped to create as you consder your own gift.  No one person can close this funding gap; we ask  and need each and every parishioner to give according to their means (over a period of up to five years)  to bring this project to a successful conclusion. 

 

Celebration!  Save the Date! Sunday, June 9, 4pm:  Consecration and Blessing of our new and renovated spaces  by Bishop Lane, with Gala Reception to follow!  Don't miss it! 

 

Legacy Project Update - February 2013

The Legacy Project: Local Economic Engine                                               Janet Bowne

 Fiscal cliffs, debt ceilings, tax increases, tax decreases--common parlance in today's national discussion about our struggling economy. Sometimes economic realities and solutions seem so far from our own kitchen tables. But isn't all economics really local? Isn't the basic element of our economy our ability to support local businesses who in turn support us? Our own Legacy Project is a cog in our local economic engine. Since its inception, the Legacy Project has tapped the resources of over 40 local companies to support the planning, fundraising, and building efforts. The overwhelming majority of our vendors have been from Maine. Whenever possible and cost efficient, we have used local resources, returning the money raised to our region. 

So while no one would undertake a project like this only to support local businesses, we are proud to have played a part in keeping Maine businesses open enabling the workers to provide for their families. Here's a partial list of the businesses who we have partnered with throughout this project: 

Ledgewood Construction

Becker Structural Engineers, Inc.

Sprinkler Systems, Inc.

Anchor Fence Company

North & South

Scott Simons Architects

Hardware Consultants

Stanley Elevator Co. Inc.

Bangor Neon, Inc.

Bellefleur Masonry

Concrete Craftsmen, Inc.

Gamache & Lessard

Quality Insulation Inc.

Chase Excavating Inc.

Riverside Mechanical

HarMac Rebar and Steel Corp.

Regional Electric, LLC

Lajoie Brothers, Inc.

Glass Solutions

Godin Associates, Inc.

Hawkes Acoustical, Inc.

Allied Engineering, Inc.

Paul G. White Tile Co. Inc.

Space Design Systems Inc.

Northeast Painting & Coatings, Inc.

Standard Waterproofing, Inc.

LMC Light Iron, Inc.

Precision Millwork

Auburn Concrete

R.W. Gillespie & Associates

Triumph Modular Incorporated

Pine Tree Waste Services

 

Sabra Property Care

Hancock Lumber

Exactitude

Phoenix Studio

Procore

Harry C. Crooker & Sons, Inc.

Modern Pest Control

Norway Saving Bank

Xtra-Mile Cleaning Services

St. Hilaire Contractors Inc

 

Legacy Project Update - January 2013

Legacy Project   Update - January 2013                                                         Jennifer Gregg, Dick Miller, David Robinson

 

The Construction

      On Track for a March 2013 Finish!

   The campus  remains a beehive of activity, with the installation of the refurbished Mother Window in the church, perimeter fencing defining the Guiding RAY playground , buffering fencing along upper parking lot facing Waites Landing, defining the Foreside Road driveway exit and most particularly, work in all parts of the Parish House, up, down and sideways!   As a result of all this work in December, we are delighted to welcome the Choir back to healthy, dry and renovated spaces on 2 January 2013, with a huge "thank you" for their patience and flexibility over the last four months. We also are thrilled to welcome the Boy Singers of Maine back to S. Mary's in January. 

    For all, there is something new to see every week, so we invite you to take advantage of personal tours offered by your Building Committee members:  Dick Miller (after the 8am service) or George Barrett, Chuck Horton or Jennifer Gregg (after the 10am service.)    We LOVE doing these tours!!

     This month, the focus in the Parish house will be on "finishing work" downstairs and continued progress in the Administration/Chapel wing.   Upstairs,  the most obvious work will be on the floors:  laying  new flooring in the auditorium and refinishing the existing  auditorium and the kitchen wood floors.  This refinishing  and curing  process will take at least two weeks to complete, during which we must avoid walking on the floors in question.  We will most certainly keep the parish apprised of the exact timing of all this and work with all to keep the obvious disruption to a minimum.  We thank all in advance for your continued patience and understanding. 

 

    The Campaign continues to make progress with gifts from 208 individuals and second gifts from 48!   Every single gift helps us close the funding gap, which is now down to$108,033.  This may seem like a daunting figure, but please remember that  we have already raised $2.8 million in pledges!  We WILL get the rest of the way, and we will do so one pledge at a time, with each parishioner participating, giving the best gift that their circumstances will permit.   If you have not yet pledged to this incredible effort, please consider joining your parish family.  Please don't hesitate to reach out to Jennifer Gregg (781-2665) or Beth Shaw (781-3366) with any questions or concerns. 

      And thank you to all who have taken such care to pay their pledges in a timely manner!  In December, our credited payments totalled  $1,764,474.65, keeping our finance charges to a minimum!                                     

Legacy Project Update - December 2012

The Construction

The Parish House – We'll be ready for SPARKLES!

Ledgewood Construction have pulled out all the stops and have assured us that the Mother Window will be reinstalled in the church and that the Auditorium, with its new bathrooms, the connecting hallway and the Guild Room will be in presentable order for the Sparkles fair on December 8^th and the Sparkles Concert reception on December 16^th. Whew! All those paint cans and scaffolds will be gone in time to decorate and welcome the community through our doors for their (and possibly your!) first close looks at this construction project. Given the expected traffic during SPARKLES and Christmas weeks, we are opting to defer all flooring work in the Auditorium until January 2013. As such, Father Nathan's office will remain in the trailer adjacent to the administration trailer throughout December.

In the meantime, Ledgewood continues working through its "punch list" for Guiding Ray spaces where our children are happily ensconced in their safe, healthy and beautiful new spaces. Work will move ahead in earnest in December on the Guiding Ray "Arts and Crafts" and the Choir rehearsal rooms and the hallways running the length of the Parish House, upstairs and downstairs.

Although there have been some bumps in the scheduling road, Ledgewood is still forecasting a March 2013 finish to this construction project—on schedule given the fact that we started a month later than we had hoped. Let us keep them in our prayers! Exterior painting and landscaping work will then resume as soon as weather permits in the spring.

The Campaign continues and, thanks to some recent pledges, the gap has shrunk to approximately $120,000. We are heading in the right direction! With each of us doing what we can, we will close the remaining gap! Remember, pledges can be paid over 5 years—you decide both the level and the schedule of payment that is good for your circumstances. If you have not yet formalized your pledge, please consider joining the rest of your S. Mary's family in building our future!

Jennifer Gregg, Dick Miller and David Robinson

Legacy Project Update

Legacy Project                                                            Jennifer Gregg, Dick Miller, David Robinson

A race with Mother Nature and Parish Life

    Ledgewood has been pulling out all the stops during the last two weeks, juggling the arrival of materiel and the weather in order to ensure that the Guiding Ray can vacate the rectory and take up residence in the Parish House on schedule.  This has been a nail-biter as the delivery of  windows, ceiling tiles, bathroom fixtures and other items met with delay.  But good news:  As of this writing, we are on track!  Specifically, all furniture and supplies will be removed from the rectory and the rectory garage in time for cleaning the week of 29 October.  Work will be completed in time to welcome our Guiding Ray children to safe, dry, healthy and sustainable spaces when they begin their new "Noah and the Ark" rotation  on 11 November!   Whew!

    Work on the auditorium has also taken a giant leap forward with the installation of the spectacular windows overlooking the Old Churchyard on the east end of the room.  When next you are at church on Sunday, do visit, as this has completely transformed this room with an infusion of light and beauty.  HOWEVER, we must prohibit all week-day and evening public access to the auditorium in November.  We have reluctantly taken this decision both to ensure safety and construction efficiency.  As such, for the month of November, Father Nathan's temporary office will be in the trailer currently occupied by Ledgewood, adjacent to the Parish Administration office trailer.  

    At the same time, Ledgewood has been working steadily to get the new administrative/chapel wing under roof and protected from the elements; exterior painting of the rectory is complete and painting of the Parish House has begun between the raindrops; the connecting hallway between the auditorium and the new wing is underway;  the Old Churchyard boxwood plantings are in; the Bradford pears in the burial garden have been thinned and the pathway laid; new trees have been planted in St. Mary's Woods.  It's all coming together, with visible progress each day!                                              

    The Campaign continues as we work to close the approximate $130,000 funding gap.  Many thanks to the several parishioners from whom we have received pledges of support during the last few weeks!  With each of us doing what we can, we will close this gap!   Remember, pledges can be paid over 5 years—you decide the schedule of payment that is good for your circumstances. 

     We have learned that there is some confusion regarding "expected" pledge levels.   There is NO minimum pledge or gift expectation.   Rather, we reiterate our hope that each and every parishioner will feel moved to participate, giving as best as each can, according to one's  circumstances.  Only YOU know what that level is.  We again encourage all to join the rest of your S. Mary's family in building our future!  

    The Financing continues to be stable, with over half of the total pledges already in hand.  Those of you who have pledged will soon be receiving updated contribution statements.  Please read these carefully to ensure accuracy; they will also indicate whether you are ahead or behind in your payments.  If you ahead, THANK YOU—you are saving S. Mary's financing charges!!  If you are behind and need to adjust your payment schedule, please just contact the office.     

 

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