We come together as a community of the faithful to share our time, talent and our humanity. With a spirit of thanksgiving, we find our place in worship, the community of the church and the broader community of Napa and the world. We are all God's ministers in living our daily lives.
Christian Growth
Newcomers Meetings: Scheduled throughout the year to acquaint new people, and reacquaint interested parishioners, with St. Mary's, its mission and goals, and with the Episcopal Church in general. These meetings allow for the exchange of information in a personal and informal setting.
Church School: For children from pre-school (ages 3-4) through the sixth grade, from September through June. Children attend school during the early portion of the 10:00 A.M. worship service, entering the church in time for communion. Volunteers are always needed to teach this vital program. Two teachers per class work on a monthly rotation through the school year.
Nursery: Care is available during the 10:00 A.M. service for children from birth to age 3.
Men's Fellowship Group: Meets Saturday mornings 8:00-9:00 in Turnbull Hall for fellowship and book study on Men's issues, our relationship to God, with our wives/significant others, etc. New faces are always welcome.
Women's Spiritual Growth Group: Meets Wednesdays 7:00-8:00 P.M. in the Guild Room. This group offers women the opportunity to deepen their faith through sharing of study, devotions and fellowship
Bible Study: Provides creative and scholarly exploration. Classes vary with the interests of parishioners and are generally held on Tuesday evenings.
The Library: Contains books and videos by today's (and yesterday's) great Christian thinkers and educators. Open to parishioners on Sundays and during church office hours.
Cursillo: Literally a little course in Christianity, this weekend experience has made a lifelong difference for those who have attended.
Worldwide Marriage Encounter: An escape from distractions for couples with good marriages who are interested in acquiring the tools to build a better Christian marriage.
Our Parish Family Cares
These are ministries of our Christian fellowship at St. Mary's. It helps our parish family grow stronger when those in need ask for help for it gives those willing hearts a chance to act.
Coffee Hours: What better way to get to know someone than over a cup of coffee? Volunteers prepare and serve coffee and tea after the 10:00 A.M. service.
Hearth Guild: This new approach to an old-fashioned idea provides home-cooked food to parishioners for a period of time during those stressful events such as birth, severe illness or hospitalization.
P.I.E. Ministry: This ministry swings into action when a newcomer fills out a visitor's card during services. A welcoming phone call is made immediately and a fresh pie is delivered within a week.
Ride assistance: Available for those needing a ride to any of our church services. Allow a few days to set up a ride. E-mail rbull@aol.com be sure to put "ride assistance" in subject line.
St. Mary's Shepherds and Napa Faith Alive: Volunteers provide a ministry to shut-ins and those who need a helping hand. While these programs are primarily aimed at ministry with St. Mary's family, the Faith Alive program permits access to the wider community needs.
Prayer Chain: Available for those in need of extra prayer for themselves, a loved one, or a friend. One phone call sets the chain into action. Members of the chain immediately pray and then call the next person on the list.
Ministry to Aging: Supported by a national program through the diocese and the parish. This essential program provides social services to our aging members of the parish.
Blood Bank: Blood Centers of the Pacific, located at 1834 Soscol Ave., Napa, is open every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from noon to 6:30 P.M. Donations are designated to St. Mary's Parish, Napa.
Food Barrel: Always in the church entry, Parishioners donate non-perishable commodities to the Napa Food Bank. Parish volunteers help with the Food Bank's Brown Bag program.
The Table: Parish volunteers cook and serve an early dinner to the needy at the First Presbyterian Church. St. Mary's day at The Table is the third Monday of each month.
The United Thank Offering: Begins with individuals who express their recognition of the presence of God in their daily lives and their thanksgiving for his presence by saying a prayer and placing a coin in their blue offering box. Our coins are united annually into one great offering from which grants go around the world.
Church Women United: An ecumenical group from many churches in the Valley. Celebration days are held quarterly at member churches. Board meetings occur the first Monday of each month at the First Baptist Church, Napa. Membership is open to all women of the church. Ministries include operation of the C.W.U. Clothing Center on Action Ave., Napa, a shoe fund to provide new shoes to school-age children, and a fund to buy school uniforms.
Dear Lord, teach me to see life as a community of sharing and help me to be an active participant. Amen.
Revised 10/11/2001