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!!