St Margaret's Episcopal Church

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St Margaret's Weekly E-News As we approach Pentecost this Sunday, let's remember the significance of this holy day in our Christian tradition. Pentecost marks the powerful descent of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples, an event that changed the course of history and inaugurated a new era of the Church.

Join members of our community Saturday, May 18th, for the New Orleans Gay Men’s Concert, hosted at the Unitarian Church of Baton Rouge (8470 Goodwood Blvd) starting at 7:30 PM. Entitled "NOGMC Falls in Love", this promises to be an unforgettable evening of music. Having previously enchanted audiences at St. Margaret's, they're back with another captivating performance at the Unitarian Church.

Secure your spot by purchasing advance tickets at a discounted rate of $20.00 online through their website, www.nogmc.org. Tickets will also be available at the door for $25.00. Don't miss out on this incredible event!

During our May Vestry meeting at St. Margaret's, just as we were diving into the riveting topic of emergency preparedness, Mother Nature decided to add some excitement of her own. Suddenly, tornado warning alarms started blaring from all our phones, sending us scurrying into the closet faster than you can say 'holy smokes!' Let's just say, our discussion on church safety took on a whole new level of urgency.

Mother's Day Prayers:
Loving God, we thank you for all the people who have mothered us throughout our lives. For all who have held us and fed us, cared for us and comforted us, challenged and encouraged us.
We pray for new mothers experiencing changes they could not predict. Grant them rest and trust in you.
We pray for girls and women who think about whether to become mothers. Grant them patience and discernment.
We pray for mothers who are raising their children in poverty. Grant them courage and relief.
We pray for mothers who face the demands of single parenthood. Grant them strength, support, and wisdom.
We pray for mothers who are separated from their children. Grant them faith and hope.
We pray for adoptive and foster mothers. Grant them gratitude and insight.
We pray for mothers whose relationships are going through difficult times. Grant them clarity and support.
We pray for women who long to be mothers. Grant them strength, hope, and opportunities to share their love.
We pray for those who have suffered from abusive mothering. Grant them healing and strength.
We pray for step-mothers, godmothers, and all who have assumed a mother’s role in a child’s life. Grant them joy and the appreciation of others.
We pray for those people present who grieve the loss of a mother, and for mothers who have lost children. Grant them comfort, healing, and the hope of Christ’s resurrection.
Mothering God,
Accept these prayers, for the sake of your son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

From Les Mut: Last night at the 10/31 Consortium Black and Orange Bash, Bishop Shannon Rogers Duckworth, Bishop of The Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana, was awarded the Corey Tullier Courage Award. Unable to attend because of her son's college graduation, she asked me to accept the award on her behalf. This is her response:

May 11, 2024

Dear 10/31 Consortium,

It is with profound gratitude that I accept the honor of being named the recipient of the Corey Tullier Courage Award. Thank you for this recognition and I am humbled by your kindness and generosity. I am so sorry that I was unable to be with you in person. My son graduated from Mississippi State University on Friday. As a 2020 high school COVID graduate, the gift of seeing him walk across the stage was especially poignant for us.

However, please know of my deep appreciation for the fine work that you do in the greater Baton Rouge community. Jesus talks in the scriptures about being a “light on the hill.” Your light shines so brightly and allows space for children to feel the warmth and acceptance of that light. Your mission to use the celebration of Halloween to enhance your ministry to these children provides a safe and accessible way for them to make lasting memories. And, in turn, you beautifully support families and caregivers in their lifelong journey of support and care for their children.

I look forward to staying connected to your fine work, and I especially thank Les Mut for his ministry to not only the 10/31 Consortium but also to the Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana.

I remain gratefully and humbly yours,

The Rt. Rev. Shannon Rogers Duckworth, Bishop
The Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana

Calling all members of the St. Margaret's community! Let's rally together to support our seminarian Joan Weber as she prepares for her next semester in school. Click on the link below to view her book registry and lend a hand by purchasing a book or two. Every contribution counts! Thank you for your generosity and support. Let's make Joan's academic journey a smooth one!

Link to Joan Weber's book registry:

Joan’s Seminary Books | Amazon Gift List

Thank you to Maggie's Ladies who sponsored today's Cinco de Mayo Coffee Hour

ATTENTION GRADUATES!

It's that time of year again! As the seasons change and new beginnings blossom, we are eagerly preparing to celebrate the accomplishments of our congregation's graduates. If you or your child graduated in the fall of 2023 or will be graduating in the spring/summer of 2024, we want to honor and recognize your achievement!

Please take a moment to inform the church office ([email protected]) of your graduation status no later than 12 Noon on Friday, May 17th. This will ensure that we have ample time to prepare and properly acknowledge each graduate during our upcoming service which will take place during the 10 AM service on Sunday, May 19th, coinciding with the Day of Pentecost. This is not only a time to recognize your academic accomplishments but also to celebrate the journey that has led you to this significant milestone.

Read this week's electronic newsletter.


St Margaret's Weekly E-News Last Tuesday marked an important step in our ongoing commitment to the safety and security of all who grace the halls of St. Margaret's. Two members of Homeland Security visited our church to conduct a thorough security assessment. Their insights and recommendations will guide us in maintaining a sa...

We give thanks for the Invite-Welcome-Connect Team who hosted our Spring Newcomers Dinner in Lyle Hall on Sunday night!

Today St. Margaret's opened its doors to the vestry of St. Luke's, extending a warm embrace during their recovery from the devastating loss of their church to fire almost 2 months ago.

In a spirit of solidarity, St. Margaret's hosted a retreat to nurture peace and healing. The day unfolded with heartfelt moments: Morning Prayers in the church, a serene creation care reflection led by Molly Blackwell, a meditative walk through our peaceful garden, and a nourishing lunch provided by our vestry.

Guiding us through discussions of Hope and Healing was Elizabeth Power from the Trauma Informed Academy, offering invaluable insights and wisdom. Throughout, Fr Tommy guided the group in worship and moments of meditation.

Today, reminds us of the power of community, empathy, and faith to uplift and support one another through life's trials.

In the picture, three members from St Margaret's Vestry joined members of St Luke's Vestry before lunch.

St Margaret’s choir member, Imani Sarai Francis, performs a DMA Chamber recital at the LSU School of Music. Congratulations!!

After a year and a half of patience and perseverance, St. Margaret's has finally received the $2125 owed by Brown Paper Tickets for two events held at our church. A crawfish boil and a Follies Fundraiser.

Thanks to the unwavering support of our parishioners, friends of the parish, and the incredible efforts of 2 on Your Side who shed light on our situation, we've experienced a true miracle! Not only did we reclaim what was rightfully ours, but through the power of community and kindness, we've managed to turn this setback into something truly remarkable. Together, we've raised over $7,000 for the ministries of our beloved parish after the original report aired.

Church funds returned, ticket company paying back customers A church is extra thankful for the generosity of its community after a ticket company hired to handle its fundraisers stiffed them. Now, six months after a 2 On Your Side story they are finally made whole.

We are deeply grateful for the visit from two members of Homeland Security to Saint Margaret’s Church on Tuesday. Their willingness to conduct a security assessment underscores their dedication to keeping our community safe. It's a sad reality that we must take such measures, but it's a responsibility we take seriously.
Our church, as an open and inclusive place of worship, has unfortunately faced challenges in the past. The presence of anti-LGBTQ+ protesters in the past is a reminder of the importance of ensuring the safety and security of all who enter our doors.
We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our disaster preparedness committee for their tireless efforts in this regard. Their dedication to the safety and well-being of our parishioners is truly commendable.
As we continue on our journey of faith, let us also remain vigilant in our commitment to creating a welcoming and secure environment for all who seek solace and sanctuary within our walls. Together, we will stand strong in the face of adversity and uphold the values of love, acceptance, and inclusivity that define us as a community.

STAR is going to be facilitating a workshop at St. Margaret's next week with the Montessori School on our campus. All are invited to attend. To register click https://form.jotform.com/232485037907158

Newcomers Dinner this Sunday!
Are you new to St. Margaret's during the past year?
Show up Sunday, April 28 at 6 PM!
Click the link to register

​Newcomers Dinner 2024 - St. Margaret's Episcopal Church Baton Rouge Are you new to St. Margaret's during the past year?Show up Sunday, April 28 at 6 PM!Whether you are new to St Margaret's or have attended worship a few tim...

Another successful Sunday night at La Mesa! We wrapped up the semester with three vibrant classes and a delightful dinner. While it's the end of this semester, the fun doesn't stop here! Keep an eye out for upcoming activities before the fall semester kicks off. Huge shoutout to all our dedicated volunteers and enthusiastic students - you're the heartbeat of our Latino ministry. Thank you for making it all possible! 

A grand Earth Day celebration in the Saint Margaret’s Garden 

Celebrate Earth Day
Sunday April 21
11:15 (after the 10am service)

Earth Day is an opportunity for our faith community to reconnect with the wonder of God’s Creation.

In the Meditation Garden, we will spend time admiring the beauty of all that is around us, relax and listen to the birds in the trees, feel the breath of God in the spirit of the wind, engage in a contemplative walk and explore the spirituality of gardening.

Bring a beach chair, a sack lunch, or snacks, and wear comfortable clothes.

We hope to plant flowers of various colors in the garden. Some examples to bring:
Small pots of marigolds, begonias, herbs, vinca, petunias, salvia plants, or any other flowering plant that you like. We especially would like plants that attract butterflies and hummingbirds.

We are also looking for knock out roses of any color.

Earth Day is an opportunity for us to come together and celebrate the interconnectedness of all things. We experience the awe, delight, and sacredness of being one with God and nature.
And God said, “It is good!”

For more information contact Molly Blackwell

Vestry member Michele Fuselier and Fr Tommy participated in the 'Pride Day at the Capitol' last Tuesday. This picture reflects what the Kingdom of God looks like. Despite challenges from the governor and legislature, the beautiful souls who stood up for LGBTQ+ rights in Louisiana on Tuesday showed immense courage and resilience.

A big thank you to Ronny and Joe for transforming our church  breezeway

Maggie’s lunch Bunch enjoyed fellowship at Oriental Pearl Chinese restaurant  on Sunday afternoon 

Congratulations to parishioner Morgan Lamandre, CEO of Sexual Trauma Awareness and Response® (STAR®), who held its benefit, entitled “All the Stars are Blooming,” on Saturday night. STAR is a nonprofit organization committed to serving youth and adult survivors of sexual trauma and building institutional capacity to prevent and respond responsibly to sexual violence in the community.

Maggie's Lunch Bunch
Sunday April 14th 11:45 AM

Oriental Pearl Chinese Buffet
Coursey & Sherwood
Everyone is Welcome!

https://mailchi.mp/3d27e8493154/uny3d37b7a-6363607
Due to bad weather forecasted for Wednesday, the Wednesday Healing Service will be on Zoom rather than in person. Click the link for details.

A Message From The Rector - 5:30 PM Healing Service on Wednesday will be VIRTUAL I'm writing to inform you that due to the bad weather forecasted for Wednesday, April 10th, we have decided to move the Healing Service online rather than holding it in person.

For our young people! Bowling with the Bishop on April 28 at All Star Lanes!