St. Mary's Sermons & News
2026 05 28 “Concert Against Cancer” folk songs led by Deacon Alan Hart, with Deacon Mary Carol Hart. Deacons Alan and Mary Carol have fought a battle for many years with cancer as a family so far successfully. Meanwhile, Mary Carol continues to receive chemotherapy treatment. They are passionate about “giving back” and decided to host two concerts to raise funds in support of the Charles R. Wood Cancer Center at Glens Falls Hospital. The first concert was on Tuesday evening at their own home church, St. Ann’s Episcopal church, Amsterdam, NY. Reportedly it was a successful evening attended by nearly 30 people, raising nearly $800. The second concert was held last night, Thursday, at St. Mary’s. Deacon Alan was our Deacon in the 2010 – 2012, and there is a strong, ongoing link with the Hart’s. St. Mary’s was delighted to host the concert. About the same number attended our concert and almost $1000 was raised. Fr. Colin was blessed to offer prayers for cancer survivors known to us; for those suffering from cancer; and for all those involved in treating and looking after those suffering from cancer. After the concert an amazing selection of refreshments and great fellowship took place in the Parish Hall. Hopefully, we will add a few comments about the concert for those who attended last night. Watchout for these on our Facebook page,
2026 05 24 The Day of Pentecost, Year A, Rite II, officiated by Fr. Colin Belton, Priest-in-Charge. 1. Fr. Colin offered anointing at the altar at the end of the service. As you will see a large majority of the congregation gladly took advantage of this ministry. 2. Healing prayer was offered at the back of the church after the service. 3. Anointing and prayer is offered each month on the 4th Sunday, although anointing might have a different schedule when Fr. Colin retires at the end of June. 4. Everyone is invited to church at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 28 to a “Concert Against Cancer” by Deacon Alan Hart (who was our deacons some years ago). Taking place in the Sanctuary, the concert will be followed by fellowship and refreshments in the Parish Hall. There will be a free-will offering and all proceeds will support the community assistance program at the Charles R. Wood Cancer Center at Glens Falls Hospital. Many of our parishioners have reason to be thankful to the hospital for the care they recieved there. Checks are best made out to the C.R. Wood Cancer Center.
2026 05 17 Easter 7 A, Holy Communion, Rite II B, officiated by Fr. Colin Belton, Priest-in-Charge. Thank you, Fr. Colin, for leading us in worship today and preaching a powerful message about the “in-between” time between Ascension and Pentecost. For the disciples, Jesus’ mother, Mary, his brothers and others as they stayed and devoted themselves to prayer together in an upper room. This was a time of preparation for their next thing: carrying out Jesus’ instructions to “go and make disciples of all nations.” How do we deal with the “in between ” times we experience in our lives today? They devoted themselves to prayer. Maybe this is a powerful encouragement to us to pray more today?
2026 05 10 Easter 6 A, Holy Communion, Rite II. Officiant: Fr. Colin Belton, Priest-in-Charge. We welcomed Fr. Colin back this morning from his recent illness and surgery. He is still “on the mend”, but, as you will see, fully able to officiate and preach an excellent sermon. But the service today was also tinged with sadness as Fr. Colin announced that his recent illness had caused him to reflect deeply on his life and ministry. He has decided to retire and will leave St. Mary’s at the end of June. We are sad about his leaving us but are happy he, with Penny, is looking after his self-care in a healthy way. The last hymn of the service seemed to be extremely fitting – It is Well with My Soul. Amen!
