special events
Each year our Christian tradition tells the story of God’s work in the world through our worship together. Many of our special services are based on this church calendar, known as a liturgical year. As a result, our worship may feel different during different seasons. We invite you to join us to observe these events outside of regular Sunday worship with us. To keep up to date with upcoming events, visit our the calendar or sign up for out weekly eNewsletter.
Christmas Pageant and Christmas Eve Service
The church year begins toward the end of the calendar year, with Advent, the season of preparation; we look deeply at the hardships and darkness in the world, and we wait with confidence for the coming of Christ, the light who shines in the darkness. Christmas is celebrated with a children's Pageant and a special Christmas Eve service on December 24. The Epiphany begins on January 6, and marks the light of Christ becoming clearly visible in our lives.
Shrove Tuesday Pancake Dinner
St. Mary's celebrates Shrove Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday (the first day of Lent), with an annual pancake dinner. Members of the church leadership cook and serve pancakes to our petitioners in preparation for the sacrifices we make for the Lenten Season.
Lent and Holy Week
Beginning with Ash Wednesday, Lent is a six-week period marked by an increased solemnity and introspection. During services, we engage in communal repentance for the brokenness of the world, and independently, individuals often take this time for a special discipline of fasting, prayer, or learning. Rather than a gloomy season, though, Lent can often be a time when we grow close to God and one another as we face the deep truths of our hearts.
The week leading up to Easter, known as Holy Week, which includes Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday as we follow Jesus through the end of his life to the resurrection.
Easter Sunday and Easter Egg Hunt
Holy Week culminates in Easter Sunday.
After Easter Service, St. Mary's hosts an Easter Egg hunt for the children and youth of the Church and community.
Blessing of the Animals
On the first Sunday in October, we celebrate the Blessing of the Animals, which honors St. Francis of Assisi, the saint most closely associated with animals. At St. Mary’s, pets of all varieties, big and small, are welcome to attend and receive a blessing on the front lawn of the church.
