Acolytes.   Youth aged eight and up and adults are encouraged to serve as torchbearers and crucifers at the 10:00 a.m. service.

Altar Guild.   The members of the Altar Guild are in charge of the chancel area of the church. They set up before and clean up after each service, and care for the linens, sacramental vessels and vestments. They prepare for memorial services, weddings and baptisms. Members work on a rotating schedule, and meet as a guild twice annually.

Altar Flower Guild.   The group is responsible for arranging Altar flowers weekly (except during Advent and Lent), and for decorating the church for holidays. This group meets two or three times annually as needed.

Altar Flower Delivery.   Members are responsible for taking the altar flowers each Sunday to parish members who are ill or housebound.

AVE.   This group meets to discuss ideas and gather article information to be printed in the monthly AVE, which is sent to all members of the parish.

Buildings and Grounds.   This committee oversees and assists in the maintenance of the Church buildings and grounds. This committee meets monthly. They also oversee any capital campaigns of the Church.

Children and Adult Christian Formation.   Children ages preschool through sixth grade, and any adults, are welcomed at weekly classes held each Sunday morning from September through June, as well as other offerings throughout the week. Classes focus on developing the faith and spiritual life of the parishioners, teaching the lessons of the bible and the use of the Book of Common Prayer. The Sunday School committee meets monthly throughout the school year.

Choir.   The Choir performs liturgies and choral anthems at the 10:00 a.m. Sunday services and at special worship services. There is Choir rehearsal every Thursday evening and Sunday morning prior to the 10:00 a.m. service. No rehearsals are held in the summer. New members are always encouraged and welcome.

Churchyard.   This committee oversees the maintenance of the churchyard, S. Mary's Woods, and the Burial Garden, as well as the design, planting and sale of plots in the Burial Garden.

Communications.   Members of the Communications Group, working in collaboration with other parishioners, publish the AVE, the monthly newsletter, and the Weekly news, maintain S. Mary's website, and work to coordinate and promote parish activities and events within the parish and the community.

Eucharistic Ministers.   Ministers vest and read the Epistle during the Sunday services, and administer the chalice at the Eucharist. They must be licensed by the Bishop.

Finance.   The members of this committee review the parish financial data, initiate and monitor the annual budget process, and ensure that the parish financial books are audited each year. In addition, this committee recommends action items of a financial nature to the Vestry. They meet every month before the Vestry meeting.

Memorial Reception.   Members prepare the auditorium and Guild Room of the Parish House for receptions as needed when funeral services are planned.

Hospitality.   The goal of this group is to promote fellowship within the Parish. This committee plans and executes special meals and receptions for parishioners and helps coordinate the regular coffee hours hosted by individual’s parishioners on Sundays. The Hospitality Committee also assists other parish committees as needed for special events.

Lectors.   Lectors read the Old Testament lesson at both services. They do not vest and remain seated in the congregation until the time of the reading.

Kneeler Guild.   The needlepoint kneelers in our Church are designed, stitched and assembled by this group. Some parishioners meet weekly on Wednesday mornings, others work in their homes, and come in for assistance as needed. The group is willing to instruct you in necessary techniques.

Pastoral Partners.   A small group chosen by the parish visits members who are ill, in the hospital, homebound or otherwise in need of pastoral care. They are licensed to administer communion if requested.

Rite 13 and Journey to Adulthood (J2A).   Christian formation specifically written for teens and preteens teaches faith and spirituality through group activities and outreach efforts. Leaders of the classes meet regularly to review curriculum and plan events and a representative attends the Christian Formation committee meetings.

Office Helpers.   This group meets every fourth Tuesday of the month at 1:00 pm to fold, label and sort the newsletter and enjoy each other's fellowship. They also help on an on-call basis for other parish mailings and office tasks.

Outreach Committee.   This group seeks to promote S. Mary's ministry and service to the larger community and in the world by identifying needs beyond the Parish and developing the means for meetings those needs.

Soup Kitchen.   On the fourth Sunday of each month, a group of S. Mary's members and friends hosts the Preble Street Soup Kitchen in Portland. Members choose to work in the kitchen or the dining room.

Stewardship.   The Stewardship committee directs the pledge drive for contributions to support the annual operating budget.

Thursday Group.   The Thursday Group meets weekly at 10:00 a.m. for fellowship. Holy Eucharist is celebrated at 10:30 followed by discussion of the scripture lessons for the following Sunday or study of a book chosen by the group. All are welcome to attend any part of this agenda.

Ushers.   Ushers greet and assist parishioners as they arrive for Sunday services, count the number of members present, distribute the weekly leaflet, collect and present the offering during the service, and straighten up the church after the services. The ushers meet as a group once or twice a year.

Welcome Committee.   This group warmly welcomes all who come through the doors of S. Mary’s, provides information regarding our parish and assists those who express an interest in joining