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What did we just do last Sunday? We baptized and welcomed four new Christians into the community of faith! It was a joyful Sunday with big smiles, candles and lots of water. But what does it all mean? We’ll explore that this Sunday.
This coming Sunday, the church remembers the baptism of Jesus. It’s a time when Christians reflect upon their own baptism and baptismal promises. That’s why one of our prayers for this week includes these words, “Grant that all who are baptized into his Name may keep the covenant they have made, and boldly confess him as Lord and Savior" (The Book of Common Prayer, p. 214).
In baptism we are united with Christ and with our fellow Christians, our sins are forgiven, and we are given the gift of the Holy Spirit. And we make a covenant. We profess faith in God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We promise to take part in the life of the church, to turn to Jesus when we fall short, to share our faith, to seek and serve others, and to strive for justice.
But what does this look like? What does it all mean? Join us for worship this Sunday. Through our prayer, the sermon, music we’ll reflect together upon the meaning of baptism and what it means to live a life in Christ.
May God bless and keep you all.
In Christ,
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Join us for Worship every Sunday at 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. | |
RESPONDING TO THE WILDFIRES
IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
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Episcopal Relief & Development is offering technical support to partners in California that are being affected by the devastating and fast-growing Palisades, Woodley, Eaton and Hurst fires.
Emergency responders are currently working to contain the 100 mph wind-fueled fires that are consuming the dry land. At least five people have died and around 130,000 people have had to evacuate their homes. Places of worship, businesses and other buildings have been heavily damaged. There are widespread power outages impacting hundreds of thousands of people.
“We are heartbroken by the death and damage caused by the wildfires in Southern California and are praying for all affected,” said Lura Steele, Program Officer, Episcopal Relief & Development. “We are working with our partners to assess evacuee needs and provide support in the coming days.”
Please pray for the people affected by the wildfires. Supporting the Wildfire Response Fund will help communities around the world respond to the impact of fires.
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Our 2025 Vestry Candidates
Let us introduce you to the four parishioners who have prayerfully accepted nominations to join our vestry as the class of 2028: Elaine Bachmann, Tim George, Linda Heiss, and John Theune, with Kevin O’Connell in a new position as Chancellor. Join us on February 2, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. for the Annual Meeting where the candidates will be acclaimed by the congregation. For questions contact Rev. Lauren.
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Celebration of New Ministry: The Rev. Lauren R. Holder’s Installation
Tuesday, January 14, 2025, 6:30 p.m.
You are invited to attend The Rev. Lauren R. Holder’s installation at St. Martin’s-in-the-Field on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, 6:30 p.m. Reception for follow. As is customary, the congregation presents a gift to a new rector. For Lauren, we wish to have a Cope added to the vestments of the church. Click here for details or to donate. However you donate please put CLERGY VESTMENTS in the memo area.
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Evensong at All Saints
Sunday, January 19, 5:00 p.m.
Come join us and invite friends to a stirring service of Evensong to honor the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the Historic Church of All Saints Frederick. The music selected for this service includes favorites of Dr. King as well as music by Black composers. St. Martin’s choir members will be joining the All Saints choir. 106 West Church Street, Frederick.
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Foyers Groups At St. Martin’s
Foyers are small groups of parishioners who meet monthly to share a simple meal and join in fellowship. In the past gatherings have included dinners, picnics, boating outings, bowling, trivia night, etc. This is a great way for adults (any age, singles or couples)—especially those new to St. Martin’s— to make strong and lasting connections with other parishioners. Groups are forming now, contact Judy Bonanno, (410) 991-3562.
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Midday Bible Study
Thursday, January 23, 12:00 noon
New year, new way to connect with God’s word! Join us for a weekly, midday Bible study beginning on Thursday, January 23rd at noon, in the conference room of St. Martins house. Bring a Bible. We will explore the gospel of Luke. For information contact Julie Reiter, 443-875-1457.
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Save the Date - J2A Chili Cook-Off
Saturday, January 25, 5:00 p.m. (Parish Hall)
Do you have a mean (or nice) chili recipe? Or would you rather eat than cook? Now is your chance for both. Any chef can enter and any attendee can come a taste and vote for the best. $5 per person, $20 per family, $1 per vote. St. Martin’s Chili Cook-Off fundraiser helps fund the upcoming J2A Youth Pilgrimage. The J2A Youth will be offering Silent Auction items, sharing their time and talent in support of the Pilgrimage, so plan to bid early and often.
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Annual Meeting
February 2, 9:00 a.m. (Parish Hall)
You are invited to our annual meeting. We will discuss the past year and the coming future for St. Martin’s. Join us at 9:00 a.m. for both the meeting with a continental breakfast. For details contact the church office.
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Rabb Lecture featuring Bishop Michael Curry
February 8, 2025, 9:30 am - 2:30 pm
The John L. Rabb Lectures in Contemporary Theology & St. John’s Episcopal Church, Ellicott City will proudly present The Rt. Rev. Michael B. Curry, The 27th Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church, as keynote speaker at their annual lecture. Cost: $40 (includes breakfast and a boxed lunch). Register at http://bit.ly/RabbLecture-2025
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Women’s Weekend at Claggett
February 21-23, 2025
Join Rev. Lauren and other women from St. Martin's-in-the-Field for a women's retreat with women across the diocese at Claggett Conference Center. The Keynote Speaker will be Bishop Carrie Schofield-Broadbent and the theme for the weekend is Love in Action. Sign up online.
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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 Gospel of Luke. We will be using the LifeChange Study Guide on Luke which can be ordered on Amazon, click here. Contact Cindy Neseth.
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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): Lower Heck Hall
- 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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Nursery Care
Care is available from 8:45 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. on Sundays for infants and children ages 3 and under. Located in Parish Hall, see an usher for directions.
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Shepherd Group
Thursdays, 4:30 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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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. Drop your kids off for Sunday School and/or youth group, grab a cup of coffee or a donut, and join us. This group is open to all adults. Contact Chris and Liz Lucas.
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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 from 3 years old to 2nd grade 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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Gift Cards to Support J2A
Our J2A Youth Group is selling gift cards for 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 to set up an account and order online contact Amber Kaltz.
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SPAN Opportunities for JANUARY
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 SPAN’s January’s theme is “the S(o)uper Bowl.”
Please donate: canned fruits and vegetables in addition to pantry staples like cereal, oatmeal, flour, sugar, masa, rice, beans, pasta, pasta sauces and soups. Additionally, high need items include: baby wipes, diapers, toddler pull ups, Depends for men and women, shampoo, conditioner, bar soap, paper towels, toilet paper, dish soap, disinfectant wipes, and hand sanitizer.
Donations can be dropped in the bins marked “SPAN” in the Narthex. For details about SPAN click here.
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You're Invited to Our Open House
Want to learn more about our school, which offers programs from Preschool – 8th Grade? Click here to schedule a personal tour or register for our January 15 Open House at 10:00 a.m.
The deadline is January 31, 2025 for all new K-8 applications. Tuition Assistance is available. Contact Kira Dickson, Director of Admissions.
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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: Roger, David, Martha, Amalia, Edmund, Stewart, Sara, Anna May, Wilma, Elana, and Joey.
FOR THOSE IN NEED OF ONGOING AND LONG-TERM PRAYERS: Lisa, Mike, The Carman family, Kevin, Sarah, Kevin, Melanie, Jared, Bill, Jax, Brody, Matt, and Kyle.
FOR THOSE CELEBRATING A BIRTHDAY: Palmer, Tyler, Olivia, Marie, Tom, Jonathan, Alex, Anand, Connor, Philip and Scott.
| 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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