“For Simon Peter and all who were with him were amazed at the catch of fish that they had taken; and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. Then Jesus said to Simon, "Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people." ~ Luke 5:9-10 | |
|
In this Sunday’s gospel we will hear about some fishermen who have spent the entire night fishing and have caught nothing. They’re cleaning their nets on the shore when Jesus tells them to go back out. Grudgingly they sail back out on the lake. (They’ll have to clean the nets all over again. Probably for nothing, they think.) Only this time they haul in a spectacular catch.
They are amazed at the abundance and power of Jesus. Jesus tells them not to be afraid. And Jesus gives them a mission. They will be catching people. Those are three great things to remember as Christians.
DO NOT BE AFRAID: Jesus says this so often. No matter what you are facing in your life, what you read in the news or what you see in the world, Jesus is at work, and Jesus loves you. In the end the powerful love of Christ conquers all.
BE AMAZED: Look for the amazing works of God. Work to move away from a scarcity mindset and seek out places where you see the abundance of Christ, and God’s gifts in the world. Sometimes, when things are chaotic, we miss the gifts right in front of us that God has given.
JESUS GIVES YOU A MISSION: Yes! You have a mission. You can catch people for Christ through acts of love, service, listening, kindness, generosity and prayer. Give the people in your life a reason to ask, “Who are these Christians? Who are these people at St. Martin’s? Why are they so kind, so loving and so generous, with hearts for service?” And when they ask: Tell them it’s because of Jesus, and all that he teaches, all that he gives, and because of his boundless love.
This Sunday, we will hear more about the abundant love of the risen Christ. We will celebrate some of our wonderful middle school youth and our scouts. We will grow in union with Jesus by sharing in the Body and Blood of Christ in Holy Communion. We will worship and sing praises together.
Do not be afraid. Be amazed. Jesus gives you a mission. See you Sunday!
Yours in Christ,
| | |
|
Join us for Worship every Sunday at 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. | |
SOUPer Bowl
This Sunday, February 9
St. Martin's-in-the-Field is having it's own Souper Bowl where you get to help your team win. We invite you to help those in need on Super Bowl Sunday by donating SOUP or other shelf stable foods. When you bring in your donation put it in the bin labeled with the team you are routing for to win the Super Bowl. The team with the most donations wins! Whether you are routing for the Kansas City Chiefs or the Philadelphia Eagles or aren't a football fan we hope you will join in this friendly competition that helps others.
| | | |
|
The Rite 13 Ceremony
This Sunday, February 9
We’ll be celebrating our youth entering grades 8 and 9, with their parents, at our 10:00 a.m. service. The Rite 13 ceremony celebrates marking a young person’s progress beyond childhood, acknowledging their new status and responsibilities in the community and the world, and providing support and companionship for the path ahead. Join us in congratulating our young people as they move to the next stage of our Journey to Adulthood youth program. You’re invited for cake and to talk with our young celebrities about their posters in the Narthex following the service. Contact Rev. Nathan.
| |  |
|
Scout Sunday
This Sunday, February 9
At our 10:00 a.m. service we will celebrate our Boy Scout and Cub Scout Troops. Come and meet some scouts, learn more about what they do, and how we can support them. In true St. Martin’s fashion there will be cake! If you are interested in our scout troop email info@pack855.org.
| |
Super Bowl Watch Party
Sunday, February 9, 6:00 p.m., (Lower Heck Hall)
Come one come all to the St Martin’s Super Bowl party! Main course provided, please bring a side dish and any adult beverage you want to drink. For details contact John Theune.
| | |
|
Love is Love Celebration
February 16, 11:15 a.m. (Parish Hall)
Come decorate Valentine’s cookies after the 10:00 AM service on Sunday, February 16. No matter who you love or how you love, let us celebrate the love that makes us one in Jesus Christ! This event is brought to you by LGBTQIA+ parishioners and allies. Anyone and everyone who enjoys cookies and fellowship can attend—all ages and stages, all characters and conditions, ALL are welcome! Please contact Doug Benoit or Rev. Lauren with questions.
| |
EYC: Mall Scavenger Hunt
February 16, 5:30 p.m.
Youth and friends are invited to meet at the church at 5:00 p.m. to carpool to the Annapolis Mall for a team Scavenger Hunt. Dinner will be in the food court, plan to bring about $20 depending on food choices. For all youth grades 6th-12th. Friends are welcome. For questions contact Sam Burdette or Amy Miller.
| |
Youth Happening Retreat at Claggett
February 21-23
Happening is a national program designed, staffed, and run by and for Episcopal youth grades 9th-12th. Deepen your relationship with Jesus and make connections through group talks, small group discussion, prayer through art, games and more! Retreat is held at the Claggett Center. Cost: $75. Sign up online - click here.
| |
Baptisms
Sunday, March 2, 10:00 a.m. (Sanctuary)
Join us at the 10:00 a.m. service, as we do all in our power to support the persons baptized in living out their new life in Christ, and in renewing our Baptismal Covenant. If you or a member of your household would like to be baptized, please contact a member of the clergy by February 16. Contact Rev. Lauren.
| | |
|
Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper
Tuesday, March 4, 5:30 p.m. (Parish Hall)
To honor the tradition of using up eggs, butter and fat before Lent, we will gather for pancakes and a family-friendly service. $10/person, $30/family. Gluten Free/Allergy friendly pancakes available. We will also burn the palms from last year for our Ash Wednesday ashes. Please bring any palms you have. For questions about food allergies contact Lori Skalitzky. Contact Rev. Nathan.
| |
Ash Wednesday Services and
“Ashes to Go”
Wednesday, March 5
Ashes to Go: Drive up to our campus between 7:00-8:00 a.m. to start your day with prayer and the imposition of ashes.
Ash Wednesday Service: Come and observe a Holy Lent on Ash Wednesday with the imposition of ashes and the Holy Eucharist. All are welcome to worship with the Middle School Chapel Service at 10:30 a.m. or our Evening Service at 7:00 p.m. Contact Rev. Lauren.
| |
Claggett Youth Camps
Sassafras Seniors Week: June 15-20 (grades completed: 8-12)
Camp Spirit Song: 22-27 (For youth grades 4-8 impacted by a family member’s opioid substance abuse)
Family Camp: June 29- July 2 (For families of all ages!)
Mulberry Middle Week: July 6-11 (grades completed: 6-8)
Juneberry Juniors Week: July 13-18 (grades completed: 2-6)
Adventure Camp: July 20-25 (Grades completed: 4-8, special focus on outdoor skills and activities)
For details visit the Claggett Youth Camps webpage.
| |
Save the Date - VBS
July 28- August 1
Mark your calendar for St. Martin’s Vacation Bible School! VBS for 2025 will be July 28- August 1.
| |
|
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.
| |
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.
| |
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.
| |
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.
| | |
|
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.
| |
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.
| |
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.
| |
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.
| |
|
SPAN Opportunities for FEBRUARY
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 February theme is “Love One Another.” Please donate shelf stable foods such as: soups, beans, rice, olive oil, pancake mix, flour, sugar, syrups, pasta, whole grains, canned meats and fish, coffee, tea. Additionally, household products like toilet paper, paper towels, soap, detergents, diapers size 4 and up, shampoo and conditioners are appreciated. Donations can be dropped in the bins marked “SPAN” in the Narthex. For details about SPAN click here.
| |
|
Virtue of the Month - Peace
This month’s virtue is peace! Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” In February, St. Martin’s children will learn about resolving conflicts peacefully and seeing the image of God present in all people, even when we disagree.
| | |
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: Sarah, David, and Amalia.
FOR THOSE IN NEED OF ONGOING AND LONG-TERM PRAYERS: Edmund, Anna May, Joey, Kip, Elise, Sara, Wilma, Merla, Lisa, Mike, The Carman family, Kevin, Sarah, Kevin, Melanie, Jared, Bill, Jax, Brody, Matt, and Kyle.
FOR THOSE CELEBRATING A BIRTHDAY: George, Vera, Emily, Tim, Charlie, Daniel, Cris, Bruce and Wyatt.
FOR THOSE CELEBRATING A WEDDING ANNIVERSARY: John and Amy Theune
| 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
| | | | |
