St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Ely, MN

03/28/2026

Journey with us this Holy Week through interactive, intergenerational, ecumenical happenings that will engage your senses and your hearts. Everyone is welcome.

02/18/2026

We will offer ashes and an opportunity to do our Ash Wednesday planting project this Sunday. Until then, this message from our Lenten partner at the Presbyterian Church offers all we need.

Blizzard wins this round.

Out of care for everyone’s safety, tonight’s Ash Wednesday plans are cancelled — both Ashes to Go in the park and our evening service.

I know this day matters to a lot of us. If you were planning to come, maybe let the storm itself be a reminder: we are dust… and we are held. Stay home. Light a candle. Say a quiet prayer. Reach out to someone who might be feeling isolated in the snow. We’ll begin Lent together soon enough. For now, stay safe and stay warm, Ely.

02/17/2026

UPDATE: The snow would not have stoppped us but the wind is making things unsafe out there, so Ashes to Go is cancelled at noon. We’ll see you next year!

Revs. Kay Carter (Ely United Methodist), Corey Larson (First Presbyterian), and Mary Groeninger (St. Mary's Episcopal) will be offering ashes and prayer. Pull up in your vehicle or stop by on foot—it takes just a moment. No need to get out of your car if the weather's bad!

All are welcome, whether you attend church regularly or haven't been in years. This ancient practice marks the beginning of Lent, a season of reflection and renewal leading to Easter.

01/16/2026

St. Mary's loves Northern Lights Clubhouse and its members!

Our weekly home cooked lunch brings comfort and connection to many who rely on it as their one warm meal of the week.
You can help us keep this going. Please consider making a donation to support our Home Cooked Lunch Program and share a little warmth with our community.

Donate Here: https://givebutter.com/11YzEZ

Members and friends are always welcome. Learn more and get involved at wellbeingdevelopment.org.

Thank you for supporting Northern Lights Clubhouse.

10/07/2025

Blessing of the Animals 2025 highlights include the story of St Francis and the wolf of Gubbio featuring toddler who runs off with the wolf just as it’s about to devour the sheep; a tiger who gives high 5s; and the blessing of stuffies tiny and giant, animals via photo app, and the best puppy, who comes to church every Sunday. Favorite Sunday of the year.

06/17/2025

Summer at St. Mary's. Add loon song; the Word seen, heard, and touched; sun shining through the tips of the pines as the communion bread is broken; and beloved community gathered to wonder and pray.

04/21/2025

The Lord is risen indeed! St. Mary's Easter morning sermon

 We celebrate Jesus’ resurrection today—that tremendous, impossible-to-grasp act of love. From his baptism, Jesus is linked heart, spirit, and body to God’s shalom–God’s great love and e…

04/21/2025

An empty tomb, a baptism, eggs in trees. In the Northwoods, the Lord is risen!

04/17/2025

Join us for Holy Week! Maundy Thursday meal and service, 6:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 226 E Harvey. The next day, visit the interactive Good Friday prayer stations at St. Mary's from 9:00 a.m. to sundown. Finally, join us for a celebration of the Resurrection on Sunday, beginning at 9:30 a.m., with a potluck brunch and Easter egg hunt to follow.

03/03/2025

And it's Lent! Join us and our friends at First Presbyterian Church, 226 E Harvey Street on Tuesday, March 4 for Shrove Tuesday pancakes and Mardi Gras crafts. Pancakes will be on the griddle starting at 5:30. Bring a topping to share The next day, we'll meet again, this time at St. Mary's at 6:00 p.m. for an interactive Ash Wednesday service for all ages.

01/27/2025

Rev. Mary's reflection on the National Service of Prayer, the power of song, and the way of God's love

I was raised as a Roman Catholic, a tradition I eventually left but that formed me and kept me faithful for many years. I’ve often credited my parents for that. My mother, supported by my dad, mad…