Our Ministries
Traditional Worship
Bringing Prayer, Scripture, Preaching and Song Together!
Sunday worship in the traditional church building brings together the People of God to celebrate Holy Eucharist (Communion) at each service, where all Baptized Christians are welcome to receive. We believe we are called to carry an ancient faith into the future. Here the worship of God, Father the Creator, Son the Redeemer, and Holy Spirit the Sanctifier, is the central and defining aspect of participation in the Episcopal Church. We pray what we believe, and we believe what we pray and everyone is invited to participate fully.
Worship Assistants
In the Episcopal tradition, we believe that worship is not a spectator sport. Everyone is encouraged to pray, sing, and open their hearts to God. Many parishioners have been deeply enriched by serving as worship assistants. We are always looking for new ushers, readers, acolytes, and chalice bearers. Children in grades 5 and up are warmly welcome to serve as acolytes. These various ministries contribute to the building of the Body of Christ, and all are honored and hold significance in our celebrations.
Music at St. Mary's
Music at St. Mary’s comes in many guises and is one of the most cherished ministries of our parish. Whether making music as part of our Chancel or Bell Choirs, or actively listening to it, we touch a place in our souls deeper than words, even deeper than thoughts - and there, in our bareness, we encounter God. As in everything else, we invite you to join us in this joyful encounter with God!
Thrift Shop
Open Saturday from 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. (closes June, July, and August
Several years ago parishioners Rollie and Pat Gagne and Rev. Cheri and Steve Ford approached the Vestry to begin a small Thrift Shop in one section of a church classroom. It soon blossomed and grew, and now occupies two of the three classrooms and the parish hall. on Saturday mornings, from 9 am to 1 pm. Donations can be made to the parish hall on Friday afternoons from 12 to 2 pm. The Thrift Shop provides an outreach to the community by providing low cost, gently used clothes and household items as well as a fellowship outlet for the parish volunteers. Please contact the church office if you are interested in volunteering.
Food Pantry
Open Tuesday mornings from 9:00 am – 11:00 am.
At St. Mary's Food Pantry we provide free food to individuals residents of Palmetto and Ellenton in a compassionate, non-judgmental and friendly environment. Our pantry shelves are stocked with food purchased from Manatee Food Bank, our local grocery stores, and with donations from our church congregation. Those interested in volunteering can shop for food, stock the shelves in the pantry, greet and assist consumers. Please contact the church office for more information.
Cafe Rollie
Serving breakfast Saturday mornings from 9 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. (closes June, July, and August)
When the Thrift Shop opened, parishioner Rollie Gage thought it would help business if they offered coffee and donuts to the people who came to shop. When the Thrift Shop expanded into the Parish Hall, Rollie thought it would be great to begin to serve breakfast to the community, offering a low cost, hearty breakfast. Our Fellowship Café was born. It was also named Café Rollé in honor of Rollie Gagne who passed away in February of 2023. Please contact the church office if you are interested in volunteering.
The Order of the Daughters of the King
An organization for women of the Episcopal Church and churches in communion with it. The Order of the Daughters of the King follow two rules: Rule of Prayer – for the needs of parishioners and of the parish, for those who are ill, and those who are deceased; Rule of Service and Evangelism – support the clergy for the good of the parish and promote the extension of Christ’s reign to all our sisters and brothers. The Daughters collected baby shower items for the North River Care Pregnancy Center. Please contact the church office for more information.
Brotherhood of St. Andrew
Mission
The mission of the Brotherhood of St. Andrew is to introduce our men’s ministry to all parishes in The Episcopal Church and Worldwide Anglican Communion. Their vision is to inspire, empower, and equip men and boys to fulfill the Great Commission.
DISCIPLINE OF PRAYER
To pray daily for the spread of Christ’s kingdom, especially among men and youth, and for God’s blessings upon the labors of the Brotherhood.
DISCIPLINE OF STUDY
To study the Holy Scriptures regularly and the teachings of the Church, to attain a better understanding of how to follow Christ and bring others into his kingdom.
DISCIPLINE OF SERVICE
To make continuous efforts, week by week, to bring others nearer to Christ through his Church.
Prayer Shawl Ministry
Marilyn Wolter and Lorriane Wood began making prayer shawls and lap robes for the home bound, those coming home from the hospital and surgery, or anyone who just needed to feel the warmth of God’s love enfold them through the Prayer Shawl Ministry of St. Mary’s. Handy with a pair of needles or crochet hook? Think about joining this group! Donations of yarn or cash can be made to Lorraine or Marilyn - contact the church office for more information.
Back to School Supplies
Every fall St. Mary's gathers and contributes back to school supplies for those in need.
Avenue 941
Academically focused spiritually driven. We are partnering with the school district of Manatee county to aid public school students through academic support, mentoring, and discipleship. Beginning January 2027.
Quinceaneras
A celebration of life, faith, and Christian commitment.
Our Lady of Guadalupe
A celebration of faith, culture, and devotion.
House Blessings
Prayer and blessing for families and homes.
Altar Guild - Prepare the altar for the celebration and clean-up after the celebration.
Flower Guild - Prepare fresh flowers to enhance the liturgical environment.
Seasonal Environment - Set Church environment to reflect the liturgical season.
Music Ministry - Chancel Choir, Handbell Choir, musician.
Reador/Lector - Proclaim God's Word and lead the Prayers of the People
ACOLYTE/LEM (Lay Eucharistic Minister)- Lead the entrance procession as the crucifer. Hold the Book of the Gospels. Help set the Altar for the Eucharist. Be the cupbearer, offering the Blood of Christ to people at communion. Lead recessional procession as crucifer. Assist in getting things ready for the next celebration.
Greeters/Ushers - Greet people as they enter the church, offer them a worship aid, direct them to rest rooms if asked. Before the service ask two people to carry the gifts of bread and wine in the offertory procession. Take up the collection using offering plates. Consolidate offerings into one plate and bring it forward so the priest can offer the gifts of money to God.
(For more information about volunteering for our Worship Ministries, please contatct the church office)