Dear Parishioners, and the Beloved Community of Friends and Neighbors,
As we prepare for 2026, we are filled with gratitude for the extraordinary support you’ve given St. Mary’s, especially during these anxious economic times. Thanks to your generosity in 2025, we met our goals — ensuring that our historic church, parish hall, and Great Lawn continue to serve as a place of welcome and community in the heart of Cold Spring. Your generosity kept our doors open and allowed us to serve our community in meaningful ways. Here are some programs your support made possible:
Fall and Spring Thrift Sales that promote sustainability and serve local families.
Music at St. Mary’s concerts, which are free to the public, and fairly compensate our musicians.
Expanded blood drives, college scholarships, and summer camp opportunities.
A welcoming home for recovery and support groups, healing arts practitioners, and other community events.
Our interfaith-ecumenical Community Thanksgiving Meal is provided to anyone who asks.
Modern Maker’s Markets, which showcase local craft artisans and musicians.
The Veterans Memorial Garden recognizes those who have served the nation.
Facilities to hold private events, whether meetings, parties, or other social get-togethers and celebrations.
These ministries, which we call good works, reflect who we are: a parish that feeds the hungry, clothes the naked, shelters the homeless, welcomes the stranger, and uplifts everyone. We work to build a just, verdant, and vibrant community founded on doing justice, promoting loving kindness (in mercy and compassion), and by walking in humble service.
St. Mary’s is more than a historic church — it’s a hub of compassion, creativity, and connection in the heart of
Cold Spring – it’s an integral part of our community. But maintaining this mission and the physical campus takes all of us. As we plan for 2026, we look to you, our neighbors, to secure our future, which includes a Legacy Fund for long-term financial stability and a Capital Fund to preserve and modernize our historic buildings while protecting the Great Lawn for everyone to enjoy. Our minimal Operating Budget is $250K, and we’re looking to raise at least $150K in donations for 2026. The St. Mary’s Community Board, a separate nonprofit group, acts in an advisory role to the Rector and Vestry
and serves as our Community Ambassadors, and is its own separate 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Please consider making a generous gift today. Whether by check, an online donation, direct RMD (required minimum distribution) payment, or stock transfer, as your generous financial support sustains St. Mary’s as a place of hope and hospitality for generations in the years ahead. (See the donation links below.) Please reach out if you’re interested in other ways to create a legacy memorial, such as memorial bequests in your Will or other Charitable Giving Trusts. We can refer you to professional financial planners and attorneys for advice. Together, with your help, whether time, talent, or treasure, we can make 2026 another year of spectacular light and life here in our community.
Lastly, in addition to your financial support, we’re asking you to take 10 minutes to complete a survey either as
a (1) parishioner or a (2) community member. This will help us answer the question, “What is God calling us to
be and to do for St. Mary’s parish and the larger community?” We value your input on how we can better serve
you, the church, and the community, all while appreciating your gifts of time, talents, and treasures.
As we do every year, we ask you, this community, to support us financially. You do make a difference to this
community and us all.
With God’s every joy, many blessings, and our humble gratitude,
The Reverend Steve Schunk, 15th Rector
The Vestry:
Mr. Vince Tamagna, Rector’s Warden;
Ms. Kathleen Malone-Bogusky, People’s Warden;
Ms. Carol Powell, Treasurer;
Mr. Wright Moore; and
Mr. Greg Mouzakitis