Dragon Tales for August 21, 2019

Dragon Tales E-News

August 21, 2019

The Fall 2019 Spire Newsletter is Now Available!

Featuring--

*Upcoming Fall Events

*Music Program Updates

*Summer 2019 Highlights

*Getting to Know You

*Stewardship 2020

*20th Anniversary for Grants

*What is ACT?

*Newcomers Program

*Baptism Dates and More!

A Note from Elizabeth

We are quickly heading into our new program year. With it will come some new challenges and some new opportunities. Most of you have heard about Realm®, our new communication software, and I want to address some of the questions that have come in over the last week and add a little bit of history.

History:

As many of you know, one of the consistent items to come out of our parish's Long-Range Planning Committee was to find a user-friendly database that would allow the staff to work more efficiently at less cost, foster more communication among members, and empower lay leaders. We have found that solution with ACS Technologies. We have been partnering with ACS for years to manage our pledge, giving and membership directory. We have now upgraded to include their new software communications platform called Realm®.

New Opportunities:

Some of the new functions available are: the ability to log in and see your giving statement, update your contact information, activate online and mobile giving, view events and groups you may want to join, and email or message other parishioners directly from the program.

Q&A:

Can anyone using Realm® see my information?

No. Only authorized staff can review your contact and profile information, just as we could with the previous system. In Realm, you control your privacy settings. You can choose to let everyone see all of your contract information or only some. Your giving history and pledge information is ONLY available to YOU and authorized staff as necessary.

Is my information secure?

This is a closed system available by invitation only so no one but you, appropriate staff members, and other active members of our church can access the system.

What does ACS do with my information?

ACS does not sell your personal information (name, age and email address). ACS does not make money from ads. ACS will not show ads to you and won’t send your data to third parties for the purposes of targeting ads to you. All service and analytic providers have signed data protection agreements that are part of your protection when using Realm.

Is participation required?

Not exactly. You may choose not to use it, but we will be using this program for pledging, statements, communication, missions, scheduling, volunteer opportunities and more, so it would you will at least need to sign in and link your profile to a valid email.

What is my password? I didn’t get a password?

You will be sent an invitation by email to join Realm. Once you click the link in the email invite, the system will ask you to set up your own password. Once you have done that, search for your name (check to see if you already have a PROFILE in the system before creating a new one). All of the membership information from our previous database was transferred to the new database so it is very likely you already have a profile set up. If you don't see it, create and fill out your information.

Do I have to download the mobile app?

No. The mobile app is convenient for on-the-go giving and communication but you can access all the features from a desktop or laptop. You cannot download the mobile app until you have logged in from your personalized invitation email.

I downloaded the mobile app and it asks for a code?

Because we chose the enhanced security that an invitation only system provides, you cannot access the system without an invitation. After you accept the invitation you were emailed, create your password, and had your email verified, you can download the phone app.

Why didn’t I get an email invitation?

Check your spam, junk or clutter folders. If you can’t find it, please email Elizabeth Radley at [email protected] or [email protected] for another invitation. It may be that we have the incorrect email address for you, so letting us know via email allows us to also confirm your email address.

The program has tutorials and a help section but like anything new, it can take some time to figure out how you can best use the features. Don't give up! We will have learning sessions over the next few months. The next one is scheduled for this Sunday, August 25 during coffee hour.

Realm: Get Connected.

FORUM THIS SUNDAY:

Sun, Aug. 25 10:30 am in Parish Hall

We are asking all parishioners to join Realm to foster efficiency and communication at SMC.

Blessing of the Backpacks on Aug. 25

Our annual blessing of students and educators for the new school year will be on Sunday, Aug. 25 at the 9:00 and 11:15 a.m. services. Students are encouraged to bring their backpacks for a special blessing.

Formation

Sunday School Registration for 2019-20 is now open!

Open House on Sept. 8 -- First Class held on Sept. 15

**We are still in need of adult teachers for Sunday School and Children's Chapel. Contact P [email protected] if interested.**

Student registration will be done through Realm. Former students have been placed into classes based on last year's registration. Parents are asked to check their child's "Group" or Class.

STEP ONE: Check in your email inbox or spam mail for an invitation to join Realm and click on the link.

STEP TWO: Once you have created your password and are in the system, click on Profiles and find you child's name.

STEP THREE: After getting into your child's profile, please add your child's birthdate (if not already in there) and then add any allergy info; emergency contact information; and then a "yes" or "no" for taking photographs of the child. (Their names will never be identified.)

STEP FOUR: Check the child's "Groups" tab to make sure they are in the right class. Also request to add them to the age-appropriate musical group, to acolytes, or youth group if they wish to participate.

The "Group leader" will then receive that info and add your child to that class/program.

Faith & Fellowship Begins Sept. 9

The NEW Schedule for Faith & Fellowship is:

5:15 to 6:00 p.m.- Spirit Singers (grades K-2 & 3-5) - Formation Building (Classrooms C and B)

5:30-6:15 p.m.- Youth Chorale (grades 6-12) - Choir Room

5:45-6:15 p.m.- Acolyte practice - Sanctuary

6:00-6:15 p.m.- Arts and Crafts - Parish Hall

6:20-6:45 p.m.- Fellowship Dinner - Parish Hall

6:45-8:30 p.m.- Youth Group - Classroom D

7:00-8:30 p.m.- Adult Formation -Formation Building

7:00-9:00 p.m.- Motet Ensemble Rehearsal - Choir Room

Adult Formation Schedule:

September 9 - Civil Rights Pilgrimage

Parishioners Tug and Beth Knorr share their experience traveling to Alabama and a Civil Rights pilgrimage this summer.

September 16 - Episcopalian Cursillo

Parishioner Mike Winn shares the components of the Episcopalian Cursillo program

September 23 - Book Study Begins -

The God Who Sees: Immigrants, the Bible, and the Journey to Belong

by Karen Gonzalez

Here is a gripping journey of loss, alienation, and belonging. In The God Who Sees, immigration advocate Karen Gonzalez recounts her family’s migration from the instability of Guatemala to making a new life in Los Angeles and the suburbs of south Florida. In the midst of language barriers, cultural misunderstandings, and the tremendous pressure to assimilate, Gonzalez encounters Christ through a campus ministry program and begins to follow him.

Back to School Supplies Drive

Thank you to all who donated supplies for local students at Broadneck Elementary! As in past years, the Mission Commission provided the actual backpacks. We thank parishioner Barbara Marder who has led this effort for many years working directly with the school!

Parish Life

Men's Breakfast on August 24

Mark your calendar for the next Men's Breakfast to be held this Saturday, August 24, 9:00 a.m., at the Riverbay Roadhouse in the Cape St. Claire center. Speaker is Newcomer Bob Moore (West Point Grad) who will discuss Nantucket baskets that he makes and bat houses that he installs for free. For questions or to RSVP, contact Tug Knorr at

[email protected].

Women's Guild Begins Program Year Sept. 4

Our Women's Guild begins their program year on Weds., Sept. 4 in the Fellowship Hall at noon. Bring a bagged lunch. Desserts and beverages will be served. Guest speaker will be parishioner Yoshie Beatty who will share her native dress, customs, and experiences in Japan during the war. All are welcome!

65 and Over Invitation

Parishioners 65 and over are invited to Jim and Judy MacGregor's home on Sunday, September 8th for fellowship and a light supper from 4 to 7pm. Located in Twin Harbors, off the Magothy, their address is 201 Nomini Dr, Arnold, 21012.

Car pooling would be best if possible from the nearby middle schools lot on Peninsula Farm Rd. Those with walking challenges, drive down our gravel driveway and park in front of our garages. There is a no stair approach on the far right side. Questions and RSVPs can be made with Judy MacGregor at 410 991 9115.

Newcomer Class with Rev. Peter begins Sept. 30

If you are new to St. Margaret's this year, Peter will offer two newcomer classes that focus both on being Episcopalian and getting more involved to become a transformed member of St. Margaret's. Two classes will be held -- on Sept. 30 & Oct. 7 -- at 7 p.m. in Classroom E. Childcare is provided in the church nursery for ages 0 to 4. Come at 6:20 and join us for a Fellowship Dinner in the parish hall.

Registration is now available in Realm under "Registration Events" or email [email protected].

Senior Sessions Begin on Sept. 10

Parishioners 65 and over are welcome to join clergy for a monthly session to discuss joys and challenges as well as review the weekly Gospel lesson. All are welcome in Classroom E at 10:00 a.m.

Thursday Morning Book Study Resumes Sept. 12

All are welcome to join the Thursday Morning Book Study at St. Margaret's from 9:15 to 11 a.m. in Classroom E starting on Sept. 12th. The group will be concluding their study on C.S. Lewis' The Screwtape Letters and begin his book Mere Christianity on Oct. 3 .

Community Info

At 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 7, where the Arundel Center stands in Annapolis, a historic marker will be unveiled. The location is close to where Henry Davis was lynched in 1906.

The marker will acknowledge the lynching of at least five black men in Anne Arundel County and the racial terrorizing of many more. In an effort to bring remembrance, reconciliation, and education about these painful events, Connecting the Dots, a local coalition of social justice activists has partnered with the Equal Justice Initiative, other activist groups, and local politicians to bring the first historic marker in Maryland acknowledging racial terror.

The annual Run for the Light House on Sept. 22 provides scenic half-marathon and 5K routes along the trails of Quiet Waters Park and through the beautiful Chesapeake Bay-front community of Hillsmere Shores. This race event is unlike any other in the greater Annapolis area! Returning in 2019 due to popular demand - 1.25 Mile Walk/Donut Dash! All proceeds from the Run for the Light House will benefit the Light House in Annapolis, a well-known public charity working to end the cycle of homelessness and poverty. Register HERE .

Province 3 Trail to Truth: Pilgrimage of Racial Reconciliation , October 11-14, 2019. Join the Province 3 Youth Committee for a pilgrimage by bus from Washington D.C. to Philadelphia, PA to discuss and dismantle the history of racism in the church and government. Be a voice for positive next steps. Included in the four day journey: African American History Museum, church histories, amazing guest speakers, and youth from the thirteen dioceses that are Province 3. Learn more here .

Baltimore International Seafarers' Center Golf Tournament , October 17, Elkridge Club, Baltimore. The per person entry fee is $150. A great course. A great event. A great cause.

BISC is a program of the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland. St. Margaret’s Church has supported BISC including participation in this annual golf event in the past. Contact is Mike Winn at 410.703 2768 for text and cell.

Maryland Episcopal Cursillo

November 8-10, 2019

Claggett Center

Parishioners are welcome to attend the upcoming Maryland Episcopal Cursillo program in November. The purpose of Cursillo is to help those in the Church understand their individual callings to be Christian leaders. You will see many familiar faces. Mike Winn will serve as lay leader (rector). Izzy Winn & Teresa Todd will guide participants & lead discussions The music team includes Al Todd, Ernie Tucker, & Norm Mayfield. For more information, talk with The Rev. Patti Sachs, or Mike, Izzy, Teresa, Al, Ernie, or Norm. Attend Faith & Fellowship, Monday, September 16, at 7:00 p.m. to hear more about Cursillo.

Sunday's Service

Missions Moment

This past Monday, the Missions Commission at St. Margaret's shared a video of Commission Chair Joanna Tillman discussing the volunteer effort of supporting and tutoring local elementary students with coordinator Jean Clarke. For more information, contact Joanna or Jean in Realm.