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“Lord, make us instruments of your peace. Where there is hatred, let us sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is discord, union; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy.”
~ From a Prayer attributed to St. Francis
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Dear St. Martin’s,
You may have noticed that there is a lot of division, turmoil and unrest in our national life. Some are afraid. Some are hopeful. What are Christians to do? How can we respond at St. Martin’s? The Prayer attributed to St. Francis gives us a great start. Have you noticed any hatred, injury, discord, doubt, despair, darkness or sadness in the world right now? Whether you agree or not with much of what’s happening in Washington D.C., I bet you can see boundless opportunities for love, for union, for hope and for light. In this time of deep division—fear for some, hope for others, and some who just don’t know what to think anymore—YOU can be an instrument of God’s peace.
Saint Francis lived a life dedicated to simplicity, prayer, and serving the poor in Christian love. I can’t think of a better saint for our young people to walk with on pilgrimage during these times. This summer, our J2A pilgrims will travel to Italy to follow in the steps of St. Francis and St. Clare. In walking that journey it is my prayer that they will be inspired to be instruments of God’s peace, love, hope and light in our nation that so needs it.
This Sunday, April 6, you will have an opportunity to support them on that journey and have tons of fun doing it. It’s Bingo Night! That’s right, this Sunday at 5:30 p.m., Bingo Night makes its triumphant return to St. Martin’s. The youth will work with me, their families and their leaders to cook you a delicious spaghetti dinner and lead a great night of bingo fun. All proceeds benefit our J2A group’s journey in faith with St. Francis and St. Clare this summer. I look forward to seeing you and perhaps some friends and family on Sunday night!
May you be an instrument of God’s peace, and if this is a time of despair, darkness or sadness for you, may the love, hope, and light of Jesus surround you, now and always.
Yours in Christ,
| | | | Join us for Worship every Sunday at 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. | | |
What is an Episcopalian?
Sundays, 9:00 a.m. (Parish Hall)
Interested in growing deeper in your faith with your St. Martin’s community? Then join this weekly conversation with Rev. Lauren to take up questions like: What are the sacraments? What is Lent and what are other ways we mark time in the Church? What do we believe? What is the Church? What is love? What is the Anglican Way? Bring your questions and your coffee to the Parish Hall Sundays at 9:00 a.m. Contact Rev. Lauren.
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Bingo Night, TONIGHT!
This Sunday, April 6, 5:30 p.m.
Don’t miss the chance to yell BINGO! during this evening full of fellowship, food and prizes. Admission is only $20 for adults and $10 for kids, and includes dinner and starter card pack. Extra bingo cards and other games available for purchase. Hosted by our J2A youth with all proceeds to benefit the J2A Holy Pilgrimage to Italy this summer. Participants are invited to bring gently used and new items for the prize table. Contact Rev. Nathan.
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Journey through the Triduum
Wednesday, April 9, 12 noon (Zoom)
The Triduum marks the sacred time from Maundy Thursday, to Good Friday, to the Easter Vigil and Easter Morning. This Zoom class will illuminate that Paschal mystery, and ground our proclamation/renewal of our baptismal covenant at Easter! Click here for the ZOOM link. Contact Rev. Lauren with questions.
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Lent for Everybody: Living Lent for all Ages
Wednesday, April 9, 5:30-7:00 p.m. (Parish Hall)
There are many ways to observe a holy Lent. Join us Wednesday night to learn and practice ways to grow in faith. We’ll have both hands-on activity and discussion options each week. And leave the cooking to us! Each session will include a simple meal. Perfect for all ages. For questions or more information, please contact Rev. Nathan.
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Walkin’ Loves
Begins April 8, 8:00 a.m. (Kinder Farm Park)
Lace up your shoes and join our new Walkin’ Loves group for fresh air and fellowship. Meet us for a walk on Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 8:00 a.m. at Kinder Park, off of Kinder Rd, near the small playground. The loop is 2.4 miles, mostly level, and takes about 45 minutes to complete. All ages and fitness levels welcome. Contact Julie Reiter, 443-875-1457.
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Job Loss and Support
Several people in our parish have been affected by recent Federal reductions in force. And several people in our parish have voiced an eagerness to support people in transition. If you have recently experienced job loss, or are anxiously awaiting the possibility of job loss, please let Rev. Lauren know. If you would like to support people experiencing job loss, please let us know. Parishioner Ann Platoff is willing to gather folks to brainstorm how we might support one another in prayer, relationship, and identifying resources.
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SPAN Easter Baskets & Palm Making
April 13, 9:00 a.m. (Parish Hall)
Celebrate Palm Sunday with us by making beautiful palm crosses and decorations! All are welcome to join in this meaningful tradition. Supplies will be provided—just bring your hands and heart. Additionally, we’ll be packing Easter Baskets in partnership with SPAN. To donate items, please visit this link. Come together in fellowship as we prepare for Holy Week! Contact Liz and Chris Lucas.
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EYC: Restaurant Night
Sunday, April 13, 5:30 p.m.
Join us as we share dinner and dessert together! For all youth grades 6th-12th. Friends are welcome. EYC regulars watch your email for details. Newcomers always welcome contact Sam Burdette or Amy Miller.
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Easter Flower Memorials and Dedications
Deadline: Monday, April 14
We are accepting sign-ups now for those who wish to dedicate flowers to give glory to God and bring focus to the cross during our Easter service. Please use the forms in Sunday’s bulletin or complete our online form. Deadline is April 14.
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Save the Dates for Holy Week
Palm Sunday, April 13
8:00 and 10:00 a.m.
Maundy Thursday, April 17
7:00 p.m.
Good Friday, April 18
12:00 noon Interactive Stations of the Cross
7:00 p.m. Good Friday Liturgy with Choir
The Great Vigil of Easter, April 19
8:00 p.m.
Easter Sunday, April 20
10:00 a.m. Service
11:00 a.m. Egg Hunt
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VBS Sign Ups Ready
July 28- August 1
St. Martin’s is offering Vacation Bible School for kids ages four to 12 years old. For $50 you can register your child for half-day VBS, which would be from 8am to 12pm, or for $75 we will have a full-day of VBS, from 8am to 3pm. To register click here or contact Tabitha Carman.
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Way of the Cross at Manresa
April 18, 12 noon
You and your family are invited on Good Friday, April 18 at 12 noon for the Way of the Cross at Manresa. Join fellow Christians for an outdoor ecumenical service and Stations of the Cross alongside the Severn River at 85 Manresa Dr, Annapolis, MD 21409. Gathering begins at 11:30 with music. Event is rain or shine. For information contact Julie Taylor, 410-268-1776.
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Need Gift Cards?
Our J2A Youth Group is selling gift cards in support of their pilgrimage. For every card purchased, they receive a percentage back. These cards make great graduation gifts, but most importantly can be used for everyday purchases. Give a card to yourself to buy your everyday groceries. It’s a easy way to support the youth at St. Martin’s without costing you extra. To place an order or set up an account contact Amber Kaltz.
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SPAN Opportunities for APRIL
SPAN (Serving People Across Neighborhoods) serves our neighbors by helping them through a critical or emergency situation. St. Martin’s supports SPAN’s mission this month by asking for donations for April’s theme is “Spring Cleaning.”
Please donate household cleaning items: soaps, laundry detergents, sanitizing wipes and sprays. Additionally, sanitary items and baby diapers especially in the larger sizes are especially helpful.
Of course we’re also happy to collect anything else you’re willing to share. Donations can be dropped in the bins marked “SPAN” in the Narthex. For details about SPAN click here.
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Faith and Family Group
Sundays, 9:00 a.m. (Parish Hall)
St. Martin’s Faith and Family Group is an inclusive community dedicated to nurturing faith and service in our families. Open to all. Join us during Lent for a rector led class on What is an Episcopalian? Contact Chris and Liz Lucas.
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Children and Youth Programs
Sundays, 9:00 a.m.
- Sunday School (K-Grade 5): SMES Art and Science Rooms
- Rite-13 (Grade 6-8): SMES History Room
- J2A (Grade 9-10): Lower St. Martin’s House
- YAC (Grade 11-12): St. Martin’s House
Register your student today, just click the link: Sunday School (PK-Grade 5) and Youth Ministry (Grades 6-12).
For questions contact Rev. Nathan.
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Children’s Chapel
During the 10:00 a.m. service, from before the reading of the Gospel to the Peace, children 4 and up are invited to experience an age-appropriate Liturgy of the Word led by Children’s Chapel adult leaders. Contact Rev. Nathan for details.
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Nursery Care
Care is available from 8:45 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. on Sundays for infants and children ages 4 and under. Located in Parish Hall, see an usher for directions.
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Tuesday Night Group
Tuesdays, 7:00 p.m. (Virtual)
Our goal is to help to deepen our understanding of our theological beliefs and how they may impact our everyday lives. Readings are based on Christian Theology from a variety of authors. Join us on Tuesday evenings via Zoom from 7:00-8:30 p.m. Contact Charlie Fitzgerald, 410-353-4719.
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Bible Challenge Book Study
Tuesdays, 7:00 p.m. (St. Martin’s House)
Join us for a 16 week study of the Acts of the Apostles. We will be using the LifeChange Study Guide on Acts which can be ordered on Amazon: click here. Contact Cindy Neseth.
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Shepherd Group
Thursdays, 4:00 p.m.
Join us for a group discussion of the readings for the upcoming Sunday. All adults welcome. This group meets via zoom every Thursday afternoon. All are welcome. For zoom link and details contact Susan Griesmyer.
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Midday Bible Study
Thursdays, 12:00 noon (St. Martin’s House)
Join us for a weekly, midday Bible study and connect with God’s word. Meetings are held in the conference room of St. Martins house. Bring a Bible. Contact Julie Reiter, 443-875-1457.
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Night at the Races Gala & Auction
Don your best Derby hat and get ready for an unforgettable night of fun at our School's largest annual fundraising event, our Gala & Auction on Saturday, May 3rd at Chartwell Golf & Country Club. Your evening includes cocktails, seated dinner, live and silent auction, and dancing with music by the Dan Haas Band! See you at the races!
| | | Your Prayers are Invited... | Prayer is the universal way people of faith stay connected, both with one another and with God. You are invited to pray daily for our parish family, for your own needs, and in thanksgiving for all that God has blessed you with this day. | |
NEW PRAYERS FOR OUR PARISH FAMILY: Carter, Eliana, Matthew, Lori, Kat, Julia, Peter and Rosemary.
FOR THOSE IN NEED OF ONGOING AND LONG-TERM PRAYERS: Sarah, Amalia, Edmund, Anna May, Joey, Kip, Wilma, Merla, Lisa, Mike,
The Carman family, Kevin, Sarah, Kevin, Melanie, Jared, Bill, Jax, Brody, Matt, and Kyle.
FOR THOSE CELEBRATING A BIRTHDAY: Beckett, Sarah, Grace, Lucy, Alex, Jack, David, Michael, Meagan, and Laura.
FOR THOSE CELEBRATING A WEDDING ANNIVERSARY: James and Hanni Monroe.
| Let us know if you have a specific prayer request so we can hold you in our daily prayers. | | |
ST. MARTIN'S-IN-THE-FIELD EPISCOPAL CHURCH
375 Benfield Road, Severna Park, MD 21146
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