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 2009

 St. Mary’s members have continued to reach out to our community and do God’s work in the following ways in 2009 as defined by these themes:

 Formation

• Our 2009 Summer Christian Ed program was taking a deeper look at the Book of Galations for six weeks. We met from 9-10am on Sunday mornings.
  
• We continue our Baptismal Ministry process with the Diocese, looking at the gifts and skills of members and continuing to emphasize the work we do outside of church as our ministry in the world.
  
• We have made progress in leveling the floor in the sanctuary and moving forward to worshipping in a more "circular" floor plan.
  
• EFM (Education for Ministry) continues on Tuesday afternnoons and nights at St Micheal's in Brattleboro. Please see Thad if you are interested in more information

 Liberation

• Continued support of the Deerfield Valley Food Pantry
• Support of local families and need, people in transit and homeless folks.
  
• Continued support for Habitat for Humanity
• 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
• Communicated to the world outside our door with a brand new sign!
• Mountain Messenger - Newsletter published as needed
• New Website

 Connection

• Continue to participate in diocesan activities and conferences
• Strong presence at the annual Diocesan Convention in Nov.
  
• Established more connections with our community by offering meeting space to Bone Builders and the Local Real Estate Assoication
• Continued to offer space to AA 3 meetings per week
• Continued with our project with Seaman’s Church Institute by knitting hats, etc for seamen (“Christmas at Sea”)
• Continued to participate in and offer celebration space for “Blessing of the Animals” as part of St. Francis’ Day.

 Celebration

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