St. Mary’s Episcopal Church makes every effort to shape its ministry based upon the mission and vision set forth in the Strategic Plan for the Diocese of Vermont. The Strategic Plan defines five themes that we have been striving to set into motion:

 Formation, Liberation, Communication, Connection, and Celebration for 2012

 St. Mary’s members have continued to reach out to our community and do God’s work in the following ways in 2011 as defined by these themes:

 Formation

• In our time of displacement we continue to thrive as a strong congregation that is built on the foundation of the ministry of all the baptized. We continue our Baptismal Ministry process with the Diocese as we call people forward and move into the formation of a covenant group.
  
• We recognize that the work we do outside of church is a large part of our ministry and we encourage and honor those ministries.
  
• The Building Committee, along with the Vestry continues to look for a permanent home for St. Mary's.
  
• EFM (Education for Ministry) continues on Tuesday afternnoons and nights at St Micheal's in Brattleboro, and new group is starting in March 2012 in Bennington. Please see Betsy or Laura for information.
  

Liberation

• Continued support of the Deerfield Valley Food Pantry
• Support of local families in need, people in transit and homeless folks.
  
• Continued pastoral care support through our Pastoral Care Team.
  
• Continued support of local diocese and global efforts via Episcopal Relief & Development and United Thank Offering to help feed, clothe and house people in need.

 Communication 

• Secure media in local press covering our various activities and outreach.
• Continue to communicate with the world with our outdoor sign.
  
• Mountain E-Messenger, our monthly newsletter available by email or in print.
  
• Website continues to be built and updated on a weekly basis.
  
• St. Mary's-in-the-Mountains Facebook page.
  

 Connection

• Continue to participate in diocesan activities and conferences
• Strong presence at the annual Diocesan Convention in Nov. 2011
  
• Continued to participate in and offer celebration space for “Blessing of the Animals” as part of St. Francis’ Day.
• Continuing ecumenical ties with the local UCC in Dover for special services.
  

 Celebration

• Continue to give thanks to God for our many blessings by supporting the above listed activities, both with time, talent and finances.