Nov. 2007

By Carolyn Quinnell

The sounds of construction, from earthmovers to block-layers, and physical signs of progress are underway at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Belleview. The new 7,000 square foot building by Leesburg design/build architect Jamie Senatore will be home to a sanctuary initially seating 200 people comfortably, nursery, two classrooms, choir room, sacristy, vesting room and library.  Once the new construction is complete, renovations will begin to convert the existing sanctuary to a parish hall, expand the kitchen and to create more office space. Why?

“In the months preceding my call to serve St. Mary’s in 2003, Fr. Al Durrance helped the parish heal from conflict with a very simple prescription: Listen to what Christ is calling you to do and follow him,” said the rector, the Rev. Tim Nunez.  “The vestry and parish responded and we have endeavored to follow that advice ever since at every level.”

“St. Mary’s: Welcome home to Christ’s healing love,” reads the plaque that hangs just inside the front door of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Belleview. It reminds to all who enter that the mission of the parish is to welcome all who enter, love them in the name of Christ Jesus and help them grow in their knowledge and love of him.  St. Mary’s expects this relationship with the living Christ, in the power of the Holy Spirit, to bring God’s healing grace to body, mind and spirit. 

“I was not at all surprised to see that motto emerge from our next vestry retreat.  People are moving into our area from all over the country and Caribbean. They are looking for community.  Welcoming people to Christ’s home, community in him, puts us all in position to meet our deepest need for Christ himself through Word and sacrament.  Healing ministry is at the center of our parish life and we see ministries emerging and growing as people hear and follow Christ’s call in concert with the movement of the Holy Spirit. We see Christ changing lives in all sorts of ways.”

Since adopting this motto almost four years ago St. Mary’s has enjoyed steady growth in attendance.  “I feel some mixture of being encouraged and overwhelmed most of the time.”  Fr. Tim said.  “The numbers are good.  But the most exciting thing is the spiritual growth we see in people.  Ministries are emerging and expanding in individuals and groups.  In each case people are simply answering Christ’s call to serve him.”

The current sanctuary seats 140 with an adjacent smallkitchen, two small offices and multi-purpose room. The parish began a joint master plan and congregational development process four years ago, also steeped in prayer, to meet the space and ministry needs.  

The construction coincides with the 20th anniversary of St. Mary’s formation as a mission.  The celebration includes three distinct events.  A 50’s-style dinner dance was held on September 22nd.  Adults “hopped and bopped” into the night.  The theme inspired many vintage outfits. “Have you finished making your poodle skirt yet?” was heard on several occasions during the week leading up to the dance.

The second and third anniversary celebrations will focus on family activities.  An “Oktoberfest – Southern Style” party will feature barbecue, apple bobbing, cookie decorating and St. Mary’s first ever Tall-Tale-Telling event. “A Taste of St. Mary’s Birthday Party” will follow in November and feature hors d’oeuvres prepared by our excellent cooks as well as the traditional birthday cake, ice cream, and games.

While it is fun and instructive to look back, the focus at St. Mary’s is on our ministries and opportunities to grow in Christ.  First time visitors, whether they come to one of the Sunday services or the Wednesday Healing service, have been known to remark that, “I felt as though I came home right when I stepped through the door.  This truly is a place filled with Christ’s healing love.”

Carolyn Quinnell is a life-long Episcopalian and has been at St. Mary's for almost five years. She is chair of the 20-year anniversary committee. Other activites include choir, cursillo, ultreya coordinator, and serving at the altar at the Wednesday Healing service.  
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