Trick or Treat at St. Mary's
Living Supplies Closet Update
St. Mary’s Living Supply Closet celebrates 10 years of service to the community
In 2014, the people of St. Mary’s Episcopal Parish in Northfield began offering free personal and household supplies (household cleaning, personal hygiene, paper goods, and baby supplies) to their neighbors in the Northfield, Roxbury, and Riverton community and providing a meal for
those waiting for their supply order to be filled. The Living Supply Closet (LSC) mission now provides supplies to households containing 125
individuals from all over Central Vermont, meeting needs that have grown even more acute since the flooding in several local communities.
“We are surprised and gratified that the closet is meeting needs beyond the Dog River Valley,” Julie Susmann, the Senior Warden, said. “The word has spread and now at least three folks come monthly and load up with bags of supplies to deliver to their shut-in neighbors. One woman takes supplies to more than a dozen neighbors. It’s gratifying to see that the closet is
meeting needs much farther than we ever thought.”
The LSC was inspired by a letter to the editor of The Northfield News pointing out that there were programs to assist with food, clothing and even, at that time, pet food, there were basic supplies that cannot be purchased with food stamps. The people of St. Mary’s responded, and the second Saturday of every month since 2014, people have come to St. Mary’s Parish Hall to share lunch and to receive supplies from the LSC.
The COVID pandemic challenged the outreach mission. While lunch was suspended, the provision of supplies continued with the establishment of a drive-by routine, with at least 40 households receiving prefilled bags of supplies each month. As restrictions were relaxed, the in-person gathering was re-established, and neighbors gladly resumed dropping in to visit over
lunch.
St. Mary’s has received generous assistance from Northfield Methodist Church, St. John’s Roman Catholic Church and Christ Episcopal Church, Montpelier. La Panciata bakery has donated bread for luncheons every month for ten years. Many individuals in the Northfield community have made donations as well. The Episcopal Diocese of Vermont has also made
supportive grants to aid the mission of the Living Supply Closet.
All are welcome to gather for lunch and receive supplies on the second Saturday of the month from 10 a.m. to noon at the Parish Hall at 203 South Main Street in Northfield.
Visions of Mary: An Advent Painting Retreat
Join in a retreat to prepare for our savior's birth. December 16, noon to 3 pm.
All of us have an experience of the Divine. This retreat is an opportunity to spend some time in prayer and contemplation through joyful meditation using art. There will be prayer, silent reflection, and guided painting in response to images of Mary, the Mother of God and Queen of Heaven. There is no experience necessary, and all levels of artists are warmly welcome. This is first and foremost a prayerful engagement with God...the art is simply a creative outlet. Participants will be provided a selection of art materials for painting/drawing/collage to express your unique creative experience of the retreat. A flat painting surface will be provided. You are welcome to bring your own supplies if you have a particular type of medium (and canvas/paper/panel surface) you prefer to work with. All approaches are welcome!
This retreat will be co-facilitated by Rev. Rachel Field, one of the priests at St Mary's Northfield. Rachel has 15 years of experience leading contemplative retreats, and little artistic talent! But she has a great enthusiasm for trying new things. The Rev. Chris Jones is a retired Episcopal Priest, retreat leader, and spiritual director who lives in Brookfield VT. She has a background in music, theater, and painting. She is currently showing paintings at Third Branch Pottery in Randolph. Donations to offset the cost of this retreat are invited, but not expected, and we suggest a sliding scale of $20-40 per person. We will have 15 spots available so please make your reservation by Thursday December 14th to reserve your space. For reservations and any questions please contact Rev. Rachel Field, rachelf2000@gmail.com. (Click on Button below)
