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Food Pantry Receives Donations from Rivanna 4-H Club

March 29, 2026

On February 14, 2026, Valentine’s Day, Colleen Hartburg and the Rivanna Community 4-H Club visited Buck Mountain Episcopal Church Food Pantry in Parish Hall and delivered the proceeds (peanut butter, pasta sauces, canned vegetables and more) from their recent food fund drive. Ellen Welch gave them a tour of the Food Pantry operations, driving a wagon around to the various food stations and letting the young 4-H club members see the selections of food. Colleen wrote, “The children truly were able to see where their donations were going, and how they are being used to help others right here in our community. You have an amazing facility, and methods of making it all happen so smoothly.

Members of the Rivanna Community 4-H Club in our Parish Hall, where we run our Food Pantry ministry

From our Senior Warden

March 29, 2026

Hello BMEC congregation,

2026 has been off to a busy start for your Vestry. With leadership by Mary and Doug Smith, our Treasurer, we have taken a careful look at the budget. Several areas have been identified where we can be more efficient leading to real savings.

We are also looking at our internet presence. As the Discernment committee finishes their work, they will then present their report to the Vestry. That information will then be posted to attract our next priest. At that time, it will be very important to have a fiscally responsible budget as well as an up-to-date and easy to follow online presence. The online presence will be the first “experience” that a potential next priest sees for Buck Mountain Episcopal Church (BMEC). We thank Ben Walter for his work on the online presence.

I want to publicly thank the Reverend Mary L. Staley. She works incredibly hard. Her training and experience as an Interim Priest-in-Charge are manifest in many ways. Mary’s ability to adapt to change and tap her network of resources has been incredibly important to the continued forward movement of this congregation. Mary is able to balance the management of the day to day operation of this congregation with pastoral care for those in need. Thank you all for your prayers and support in this important time for BMEC.

Peace,
Rob Michel

Alliance for Interfaith Ministries Update

March 29, 2026

Did you know? In 2025 the Alliance for Interfaith Ministries (AIM) provided:

724
grocery bags full of household paper goods, cleaning supplies, and toiletries.
73
two-box Kitchen Kits of basic cookware and tableware
59
Welcome Baskets laundry baskets packed with paper goods, cleaning supplies, toiletries, and kitchen/bathroom accessories.

Grocery bags full of household paper goods, cleaning supplies, and toiletries

Planned Giving Corner: Expanding our ministries

March 29, 2026

Does the Book of Common Prayer have anything to say about planned giving?

Yes, it does! Page 445 (Thanksgiving for a Child) includes the following… “The Minister of the Congregation is directed to instruct the people, from time to time, about the duty of Christian parents to make prudent provision for the well-being of their families, and of all persons to make wills, while they are in health, arranging for the disposal of their temporal goods, not neglecting, if they are able, to leave bequests for religious and charitable uses.”

—The Planned Giving Committee (Tracy Aglio, Mike Gibson, Leslie Richard, Art Symmes, Janet Wiley)

Confession in the Episcopal Church

March 29, 2026

As Episcopalians we have two forms of confession. We confess as a community and we may also choose to seek individual Reconciliation (see pages 446–452 in the Book of Common Prayer) Some people feel this is an important part of their Lenten observance, in conjunction with Ash Wednesday or during Holy Week. The Rite of Reconciliation may be arranged by contacting our priest.

The short explanation of the Rite of Reconciliation of a Penitent used by individuals is:
All may,
Some should,
None must.

As a community we confess our sins at most services, acknowledging both communal and individual faults. As a parish and church, we admit there are neglected responsibilities within our reach. When Episcopalians unite as change agents, we can positively impact others. Our confession reflects our ongoing effort to fulfill our roles in ministry, evangelism, compassion, and our baptismal promises.

From the Senior Warden

December 1, 2025

Hello Buck Mountain Congregation,

Matalie Deane's painting of Connie greeting parishioners, given to Connie in thanksgiving for her serviceLet us start with a huge thank you to Rev. Connie Clark for her 17 years of spiritual leadership for this congregation. The luncheon on November 2 was beautiful. Thank you to Diane Symmes for her leadership organizing the luncheon. Thank you to all who set up and cleaned up. Many hands and hearts were involved. Thank you to Lauren Black for the delicious menu. Thank you to my wife, Ann, for her idea and organizing the book of memories presented to Connie. Thank you to all who contributed to that book. Thank you to Ellen for asking Matalie to paint the beautiful piece of art showing Connie receiving Gene, Leo, and Margaret leaving a service. Thank you to all who have contributed to the purse that was presented to Connie at her last service on November 16.

As 2025 comes to a close, I am grateful for so many blessings. The support felt by me and all of the Vestry this year has been wonderful. Your prayers and support are a blessing to us.

Congratulations to the Food Pantry and all of the BMEC congregation that provided a Thanksgiving meal to over 100 clients. Wow! The service to our greater community through the Food Pantry and AIM is simply amazing for a congregation of this size.

We are so happy to welcome Rev. Mary L. Staley as our Interim Priest-in-Charge. Please continue to pray for the Discernment Committee as they continue the important work of listening to the congregation and discerning the next Priest to lead this wonderful congregation.

Letters and pledge cards have been mailed and received. Please prayerfully consider your financial support of our church. In addition to prayer and action, financial support is needed to keep BMEC more than viable. It is needed to keep us moving forward.

Time and Talent are two equally important arms of Stewardship. There will be three open spots on the Vestry beginning January 2026. Please prayerfully discern if you would like to be considered for the very important year ahead. As you know, these candidates will be present-ed and voted on at the annual meeting in January. The date for the annual meeting is not set yet, but as usual it will be early in January. I will communicate via email the date as soon as it is set.

As we move through Advent, I hope that we all can take time to prepare our hearts to celebrate the Incarnation of Christ on earth. Though the Advent season can be busy with baking, shopping, family, and other social gatherings, I pray that we can all take the time to put the “reason for the season” as our first priority.

Peace,
Rob Michel
Senior Warden

Introducing the Rev. Mary L. Staley

December 1, 2025

On behalf of the Vestry, I am thrilled to introduce the Rev. Mary L. Staley as our Interim Priest-in-Charge. Mary will be starting in her role this week and will preside over the 10:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. services beginning this Sunday, December 7.

The Rev. Staley comes to us with extensive training and experience as an Interim Priest. This valuable training and experience will serve our congregation well in this time of transition.

I personally find Mary demonstrating a wonderful balance of understanding the role of an Interim Priest along with showing compassion for a congregation moving forward after a 17-year wonderful relationship with Connie.

One of the important roles of the Interim Priest-in-Charge is helping the Vestry address the workings of the church so that when a new Priest-in-Charge is called by the Discernment Committee, the transition is smooth.

As I stated on Sunday, the Vestry appreciated and felt your prayer and support with this process. Now, we, and the Rev. Mary will continue to pray and support the Discernment Committee in their important work.

—Rob Michel

Planned Giving Corner: Expanding Our Ministries

December 1, 2025

Announcing: The 2025 Endowment Fund Distribution

As many parishioners know, each year we use between 3% and 5% of our Buck Mountain Endowment Fund balance to support church efforts that are not included in our annual operating budget. The Endowment Fund guidelines define categories for which the annual distribution can be used, with the overall goal of expanding the ministries of Buck Mountain Church. The church’s Endowment Fund balance is currently around $280,000.

Based on discussions between the Planned Giving Committee and Vestry, this year’s distribution has been designated for two purposes: partial funding of seminary education expenses for our intern, Matteo Carter, and covering expenses incurred by the church Discernment Committee as they search for a new Vicar for our church.

It’s gratifying to know that, through the generous contributions from parishioners and friends, the Endowment Fund can be used as an annual resource to expand the good works of our church.

—The Planned Giving Committee

  • Tracy Aglio
  • Mike Gibson
  • Leslie Richard
  • Art Symmes
  • Larry Webber
  • Janet Wiley

Greetings from the Rev. Mary L. Staley

December 1, 2025

Hello Buck Mountain,

I am trying to learn about your congregation, but I have lots of questions, so I am looking forward to meeting with you and hearing your stories. Each person here is a part of the fabric of this parish, together you have woven wonderful memories. The design on the fabric will continue to reflect your commitment to share your faith through all you do, in worship, in outreach and in your Christian presence in this place.

The Rev. Mary L. Staley

The interim’s role is to help the process of discovery, discovering where adjustments might be appropriate. The process we use allows time for reflection and preparation. I am looking forward to being a part of this congregation during the transition between priests. We will explore the things you will want to consider as you prepare for the next priest.

Transitions feel like unfamiliar territory—like walking after roller skating. Instead of skating. It takes time to adjust. The transition period is intended to allow everyone time to adapt and move forward together.

While you are preparing, the person who will be your next priest may be in their own period of discernment, listening for the Spirit’s leading. In time, their path and yours will intersect. In the meantime, we will work together to prepare for the future.

As we journey through this time together, let’s remember that each step forward is part of the unfolding story of Buck Mountain. With patience and openness, we will discover new opportunities for growth and renewal, trusting that the Spirit will guide us in new directions we may not yet imagine. It will all fall into place in God’s time.

This season of transition is not just about waiting, but about actively shaping the future with hope and faith, knowing that as we move ahead, we do so as a community—supporting one another, honoring the past, and embracing the possibilities that lie ahead. Together, we will create new memories and strengthen the fabric of our parish for all who come after us.

In Christ’s love,
Mary+
Interim Priest in Charge

Food Pantries In National and Local News

December 1, 2025

“Food banks and pantries have been experiencing historic demand since SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits halted on Nov. 1 for many Americans due to the federal government shutdown.” News reports claim that there are massive increases in the number of people coming to food pantries for assistance. Higher prices at the grocery store are also causing more stress for food pantries and their clients. The price of food increased by 2.9% from July 2024 to July 2025, according to the USDA. Without the help of the food pantry, people must make a choice between paying rent and having food on the table.

“Blue Ridge has experienced an 16% increase in the amount of people served in the past year,” Ratzlaff said. “The demand is currently 45% higher than in the height of the pandemic.”

At our own Buck Mountain Food Pantry, we are having to buy more food. Two months ago, we were serving between 40 and 60 families. On November 12 it really hit home for us when we had 86 families.

How can you help?

  • Monetary donations: Financial donations provide the most flexibility, allowing pantries to purchase the specific items they need most.
  • Food donations: Donate non-perishable food items.
  • Organize a drive: Host a fundraising event like a bake sale or chili cook-off, or organize a team challenge to collect donations from friends and coworkers.
  • Donate agricultural products: Farmers can donate agricultural products to food banks and may be eligible for a state tax credit.

As the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank states: “Everyone should have enough to eat.” Many people in our community have expressed concern and want to help. Many of our clients are elderly, are on a fixed income, or cannot work, or work several jobs and cannot make ends meet. Please join us in meeting their basic food needs during this critical time.

—Ellen Welch

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