St. Mary's Guild member!

St. Mary's Guild appears to be a bunch of ladies (usually older ones) that sit around on Tuesday mornings and knit, quilt, crochet, or work on crafts.   It is true that a lot of that goes on, but there is so much more to the story.  If asked, any of the women would say that the group is a support group; a prayer group;  and fellowship group that also does crafting .

St. Mary's has been around since way before the church opened in Woodbury.  With the move to the suburbs, another bunch of women wanted a group that included young women with small children.  It began as St. Anne's and the group worked on banners for the church while the kids played.  It met for many years and then became one with the ECW which held meetings and had speakers and a real structure.  As more women worked, there was less enthusiasm for meetings and paying dues.  St. Mary's evolved and all of the women from the old St. Mary's, ECW, and St. Anne's became one group. 

St. Mary's holds 2 rummage sales a year as well as the Salad Luncheon/Boutique.  It also puts on receptions for funerals.  These activities could not be carried out without some support from the congregation.  Donating to the rummage sale and the boutique/luncheon is crucial to the group's existence. 

Now-what does St. Mary's do with all that money? 

Every year, St. Mary's gives at least $1,100.00 to the Christian Cupboard, giving part at different times to maximize its potential.  The group adopts usually two families at Christmas from Episcopal Community Services and is very generous with its resources.  At the same time,  it gives Christmas checks to the staff and cleaning crew here at Christ Church.  It has given money to the Episcopal Church Home and its chapel fund and to help rebuild St. Edward's after its fire.  It sent money to St. John the Divine that also suffered a fire and was trying to restore valuable hangings.  Money was given to the group in Minnesota that was helping tsunami victims rebuild.  The group is also asked, on occasion to fund something within Christ Church such as carpet, coffee urns, vacuums, fridges, etc.  Sometimes funds are given to the clergy so assistance can be given to a parishioner in need-always anonymously.

St. Mary's is open to everyone and not just women with a lot of life-experience.  It is a welcoming group that does not even require one to actually have crafting or sewing talents.  Some just enjoy the fellowship.  Come give it a try some Tuesday morning.  It meets from 9-12.